Iranian and Pakistani energy ministers have pledged to take effective steps in advancing the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas project deal, the Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday.

After attending the 23rd edition of the Iran International Electricity Exhibition (IEE), Pakistan's Minister of Energy, Muhammad Ali, pledged his country's commitment to completing a joint gas project with Iran.

He expressed optimism about initiating a new round of talks between the energy officials of both countries to advance Iran’s gas pipeline transmission project to Pakistan.

The decision was made to collaboratively formulate a comprehensive plan to accelerate the construction of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline.

Muhammad Ali emphasized that the upcoming talks between energy officials would commence within the next two or three weeks.

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Furthermore, he highlighted Iran's readiness to increase electricity exports to Pakistan's Gwadar port and meet the electricity requirements of the Chaman area in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

The minister noted that, following the installation of the national electricity grid in Gwadar port, Pakistan could enhance its electricity imports from Iran for domestic use.

On another note, with the 23rd Iranxd (IEE) and Iran’s Electricity Industry Tech Market Festival, Minister of Energy Ali Akbar Mehrabian engaged in discussions with the visiting Pakistani energy minister and explored new avenues to improve bilateral ties and enhance cooperation, particularly in the domains of electricity and energy.

During the meeting, the Iranian Minister of Energy expressed Iran's readiness to engage in joint ventures with Pakistan, specifically in the exchange of electricity.

بیست و سومین نمایشگاه بین المللی صنعت برق

بیست و سومین نمایشگاه تخصصی بین‌المللی #صنعت_برق_ایران از سه شنبه ۲۳ آبانماه ۱۴۰۲ در محل دائمی نمایشگاه‌های بین المللی #تهران با حضور وزیر نیرو علی اکبر #محرابیان افتتاح شد و تا ۲۶ آبان ماه دایر است.https://t.co/FcBj4GiqLq pic.twitter.com/XI1SHO3ib1

— ISNAMEDIA (@ISNAMEDIA) November 14, 2023

Context

In 2013, the US threatened Pakistan with economic sanctions over the Iran-Pakistan gas project, citing concerns about Iran's alleged nuclear program.

Iran's former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denied the connection, emphasizing that the gas pipeline was unrelated to the nuclear issue.

The project, also known as the "Peace Pipeline," was conceived in 1994 and involved India initially.

However, due to various challenges, including US pressure and India's shift towards the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline, the IP project faced delays.

A 25-year Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement was negotiated in 2009, aiming to provide 750 million cubic feet of gas per day from Iran to Pakistan, but as of the past nine years, the project remains unrealized.