Long-stalled Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline gets fresh momentum after MoU
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif says gas and oil imports from Iran could become viable as bilateral ties deepen, raising hopes in country
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday signaled potential progress on the long-delayed Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, saying gas and oil imports from Iran could become a reality as economic and trade cooperation between the two neighboring countries expands.
The remarks came during a visit to Pakistan by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who arrived on a one-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif amid growing engagement between Islamabad and Tehran.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, Asif said discussions had focused on strengthening economic and trade ties and exploring new areas of cooperation.
“We can have a gas pipeline from Iran, and oil can also be imported,” Asif said, adding that land-based transportation routes would lower costs and benefit consumers in both countries.
He said Pakistan and Iran were examining opportunities to expand bilateral trade, with increased imports and exports expected across a range of sectors.
According to the defense minister, deeper economic cooperation would produce mutual benefits and strengthen relations between the two countries.
Asif also expressed confidence that enhanced trade and economic activity with Iran would contribute to peace and development in Balochistan, saying local communities would benefit from increased cross-border commerce and employment opportunities.
“Trade between Pakistan and Iran is a win-win situation for everyone,” he said, adding that economic growth could help address many of the region’s longstanding challenges.
Commenting on civil-military coordination, which he described as a “hybrid system,” Asif said cooperation between civilian and military institutions had contributed positively to Pakistan’s progress.
He argued that periods of tension between the political and military leadership had historically undermined the country’s economic, political and constitutional development.
“The results of the hybrid system are before you today. Pakistan has earned respect and honour,” he said.
The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project has returned to the spotlight amid expectations that improving regional diplomacy and any future easing of sanctions on Iran could help revive the long-stalled initiative.
Under the agreement signed in 2009, Iran is expected to supply up to 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to Pakistan over a 25-year period. While Iran completed construction of its section of the pipeline years ago, Pakistan has yet to finish its portion due to sanctions-related concerns and financing challenges.
Analysts say any relaxation of restrictions on Iran could provide fresh momentum to the project, which is widely viewed as a potential contributor to Pakistan’s long-term energy security and efforts to meet growing domestic demand.
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