March 13, 2013 . 2

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pakistani leg of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, the USA, though absent, dominated the thoughts of all present. It was because of US opposition to the project that its getting underway was such a high-profile event, with both Presidents Mehmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and Asif Zardari of Pakistan attending the ceremony at the Gabd zero point, where the $7.5 billion pipeline is to enter Pakistan. Though Pakistan has been accounted a US ally in its war on terror, and has provided it ‘unstinted support', it has its own compulsions which oblige it to ignore US objections. There has been the investment of time: it has been 19 years since the project was first broached, and 18 since the preliminary agreement between the two countries signed. In contrast, India was only included in the project in 2005, and promptly withdrew in 2009.

However, the more pressing reason was revealed by PM’s Petroleum and Natural Resources Adviser Dr Asim Hussain while talking to the press at Gabd. The gas brought by the pipeline would help, he said, generate 4000MW of electricity. For a country in the throes of a crippling energy crisis, which not only causes universal inconvenience, but is also costing the economy export revenues, factory closures and lost jobs, would be a great boon. It must be noted that the immediate US reaction, as expressed by the State Department spokesperson, was that Pakistan too could attract sanctions, and a recounting of how the USA was aiding projects which would add 900MW by the end of 2013. There was no mention of the TAPI project, which might indicate that the attempt to execute the project is a nonstarter.

Both Presidents referred to the objections. President Ahmadinejad said that the pipeline had nothing to do with Iran’s nuclear programme. President Zardariasked for understanding of regional states’ problems. His appeal was more heartfelt, for his party is only weeks away from an election in which it faces searching questions about its efforts to end the loadshedding it is using to justify its participation in the project. The PPP wisely selected a time just before election. One hopes that the project does not stall as soon as elections are held, but is continued under whichever government comes to power.

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-ne...aking-ceremony