Pakistani MP urges govt to expedite work on IP gas pipeline

In an exclusive interview with IRNA on Friday, Senator Syed Shibli Faraz said IP gas pipeline is not just a project but a mean to bring the two countries closer economically and politically.

“I think the IP has to be taken up, it is a project which is very essential to cater our energy problems,” said Chairperson of the Senate standing committee on commerce and textile industry.

He said, 'We have to look at the world through our national interests.'

The MP added that the Iranian side has done their part of the project but Pakistani government has been dragging this issue for quite some time. 'I think that we need to do our part.'

The lawmaker expressing his views said it is not just a project but a mean to bring the two countries closer. “If we have economic engagements with Iran, then political issues can also be resolved because there are common interests,” he said.

Syed Shibli Faraz said, 'Historically, we have had excellent relationship with Iran, we are neighboring countries, and we share a lot of history and culture.'

“I think it is in the interest of both the countries that they should proactively pursue and reinvigorate this relationship and find commonalities whereby both of the nations can engage in different activities especially economic development of both the countries,” he noted.

The senator said there are many issues on which we can support each other, but I must say that this potential has been much underutilized for a very long time.

“It is time for both of us to make special efforts to reduce the gap of economic activity and should promote our cultural and bilateral ties because it is need of the moment and we can reciprocally cooperate with each other to achieve common objectives that is especially the uplifting of both the countries economically and culturally,” viewed the politician.

He said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an important project and the whole region should benefit from that and Iran should be welcomed to be part of this project.

Commenting on US President’s recent remarks against Iran’s nuclear deal, the lawmaker said it is highly unserious of President Donald Trump to get back on what was decided earlier. “It was not decided between two individuals but it was decided between many countries sponsored by European countries,” the legislator pointed out.

“If this becomes a practice, no international treaty would have any significance and it can be flouted at any time so they have to respect that,” he said.

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