Pakistan to involve China in IPI Gas pipeline project

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to formally ask China to become part of the multi-billion dollar IPI gas pipeline project, keeping in view the evasive attitude of India to make the project economically viable.

According to government sources, Pakistan is in a dire need of energy and cannot afford further delay in initiating the project. However, India seems not serious in the project. Therefore, the sources say, during his visit upcoming visit to China starting from October 14, President Asif Zardari is likely to formally invite China to join the IPI gas.
The sources added that the proposal to invite Beijing in the project would be firmed up during the upcoming visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, who arrived on Friday. Pakistan wants to take Iran into confidence in this regard prior to floating the proposal to China.

The sources said India had managed to get some blocks in Iran for developing oil and gas fields. Iran has come up with new terms and conditions, under which Tehran will not hesitate to block gas flows to Pakistan if India gets no gas, in case of any disruption in Pakistan's territory. This new condition came from the Iranian authorities.