Iran Ready to Meet Bulk of Pakistan's Energy Needs

Iran is ready to meet bulk of Pakistan’s energy needs and is looking for enhanced ties, Tehran’s ambassador to Islamabad said Saturday.

Mehdi Honardoust said President Hassan Rouhani's upcoming visit to Islamabad this month would set the ground for upgrading of bilateral relations, state owned Shana news agency reported. The long delayed Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project would be high up on the agenda during the visit.

Honardoust said the pipeline could play a vital role in meeting Pakistan’s energy appetite.

The gas pipeline project has been delayed due to sanctions of Iran. With the sanctions now gone, Iran expects Pakistan will speed up the process to complete the construction of the section of pipeline that would traverse its territory. Iran has already built 900 km length of the pipeline on its territory.

“We don't impose stiff conditions like other countries,' said the diplomat adding that Tehran wanted to provide cheap energy for industrial and economic development of Pakistan.

Iran and Pakistan are scheduled to sign up several agreements, including in free trade and power sector, during Rouhani’s visit.