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As Karachi grapples with a severe gas supply crisis impacting every segment of society, even members of the city’s diplomatic community are not immune to the challenges. Hassan Nourian, Iran’s Consul General in Karachi, shared his firsthand experiences of living in the metropolis during a discussion on the energy needs of Pakistan and the status of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.
Speaking at the Meet the Press programme of the Karachi Press Club, Nourian candidly discussed the difficulties faced by Karachiites, including himself, in accessing gas for basic needs such as cooking meals. Despite his diplomatic status, Nourian empathized with the plight of ordinary citizens, highlighting the shared struggle amidst the ongoing energy crisis.
Addressing the status of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, Nourian acknowledged the delays and challenges encountered in its completion, citing political and technical factors. However, he noted Pakistan’s political determination to finalize the project and expressed Iran’s willingness to cooperate in meeting Pakistan’s energy demands.
The pipeline project, initiated in 2010, has faced setbacks due to concerns over US sanctions, with Pakistan requesting a 10-year extension for its construction. With the deadline for completion approaching, Iran has invested significantly in its portion of the pipeline, while Pakistan’s progress has been hindered by international restrictions.
Despite the potential for legal action if Pakistan fails to fulfill its commitments, Nourian refrained from commenting on Iran’s course of action, underscoring the need for diplomatic dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.
Regarding bilateral relations, Nourian highlighted recent discussions between Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi and Pakistani officials, emphasizing mutual efforts to finalize the Free Trade Agreement and enhance coordination in counterterrorism efforts. Both nations recognize terrorism as a common threat to regional peace and stability, affirming their commitment to combatting this menace through coordinated action and cooperation at various levels.
