Following India's exit from the cross-country gas pipeline project, Islamabad and Tehran have initiated technical dialogue for gas transportation from Iran to Pakistan. A technical team from Iran is in Islamabad for discussions to prepare a revised plan for the project. The technical discussions are likely to continue for next two days.
The teams will present their reports on the outcome of the discussions to their respective governments for decision-making. Sources said technical teams were discussing issues such as route for the pipeline, its size, backup storage facility, taxation, security and safety and the pricing system that envisages review of gas rates periodically.
The two sides had agreed in Tehran meeting last month to push forward the project without India. They had also agreed that Iran and Pakistan will lay down the pipeline on their respective territories. The pipeline size will be of big dia to transport at least one bcf gas per day. The two sides also have understanding that they will welcome India whenever it intends to join the project. As long as India stays away from the project Pakistan will buy one bcf gas per day.
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