WASHINGTON: According to The News on Thursday, the US “prioritizes” assisting Islamabad in resolving its energy crisis, reiterating its support for Pakistan’s energy difficulties.
In response to a query about US support for Pakistan’s energy needs in view of Washington’s opposition to the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated, “Assisting Pakistan address its energy shortage crisis is a priority for the US.”
The spokeswoman’s comments coincided with Washington’s repeated declarations of opposition to the bilateral gas pipeline deal between Tehran and Islamabad and its threat to apply penalties upon project completion, which has been delayed by almost ten years since it was first scheduled.
However, Islamabad is running out of ways to fulfill its growing energy needs as a result of the current economic difficulties, which are being fueled by a weakening local currency and diminishing foreign exchange reserves. These issues have increased utility prices and exacerbated the country’s energy crisis.
In addition, the nation runs the risk of being hit with a $18 billion fine for not fulfilling its half of the bargain, which calls for finishing the 781-kilometer pipeline from the Iranian border to Nawabshah and using 750 million cubic feet of gas daily.
Since 2014, there have been delays in the project. Iran notified Pakistan for the third time in January that it intended to file a lawsuit in arbitration over Pakistan’s refusal to install the pipeline on Iranian territory.
