IP gas pipeline project: Iran offers $250 million, Asim tells National Assembly

Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain on Monday informed National Assembly that Iran had offered $250 million to Pakistan for Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project.
In a written reply, the minister said that during the visit of Deputy President on International Affairs of Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan from February 5 to 7, 2012, the Iranian side offered to construct the IP pipeline in Pakistan (planning, engineering, supply of pipeline, compressor stations, etc) and offered to provide $250 million funding for the project.
He further said that Pakistan delegation was scheduled to visit Iran soon to discuss details with the Iranian side in this regard. About the countries facilitating the IP gas project, the Minister said that Pakistan was currently in consultation with many countries and the process was going on. However, he said, no firm arrangement has been made so far.
To a query whether United States has raised objections over the project, he said that Pakistan had so far not received any official communication from the US pertaining to the project. However, he said that there have been some public statements in this regard by the US government.
To another question, he told the House that Iran had also offered supply of 80,000 barrels crude oil per day to Pakistan. However the details are being worked out, he added. Meanwhile, Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar while updating the House on the year-wise loss of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) during the last five years, said that the national flag carrier suffered a loss of Rs 27.78 billion in 2011. In 2010, he said, PIA suffered a loss of Rs 8.58 billion, while it was Rs 12.43 billion during the year of 2009. He further said that the PIA suffered a total loss of Rs 39.99 billion in 2008 and Rs 13.07 billion in 2007.