Pakistan will approach US to seek waiver over Iran gas pipeline: Musadik

ISLAMABAD: Minister of Petroleum, Musadik Malik has stated that Pakistan intends to approach the United States to request a waiver on sanctions related to the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project.

Addressing the media, the petroleum minister emphasized Pakistan’s inability to afford any halt to the project and mentioned plans to seek exemption from the US sanctions.

Malik elaborated that a draft petition for exemption has been prepared, and Pakistan will vigorously present its case on the matter.

Malik affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to employing all available political and technological resources to circumvent the sanctions, further indicating plans to commence construction on Pakistan’s segment of the Iran gas pipeline project promptly.

Notably, the interim government had previously sanctioned the 80-kilometre section of the pipeline within Pakistan’s territory.

In a related development, on March 21, Pakistan reiterated its dedication to the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, with Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch underscoring the sovereign decision of the Pakistani government to proceed with the initiative.

During a routine press briefing, Baloch responded to media inquiries regarding a US congressional hearing, affirming that there is currently no room for discussion or waiver from any third party regarding the pipeline’s construction within Pakistan’s territory.

Baloch conveyed Pakistan’s stance on the project’s significance for its energy security to US authorities.

Regarding concerns raised during the US congressional hearing about alleged electoral irregularities, Baloch highlighted a misunderstanding of Pakistan’s domestic situation and electoral laws in certain statements.

She expressed hope for constructive dialogue with the US to address these misconceptions.