The United States has stated that “helping Pakistan address its energy shortage crisis is a priority” for Washington.
The Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, a long-term project between Tehran and Islamabad, has encountered delays and funding challenges for years. In February, the government decided to commence building an 80-kilometer pipeline segment from the Iranian border to Gwadar to avoid potential $18 billion penalties from Tehran.
However, on Tuesday, Washington expressed its lack of support for the gas pipeline project, warning about the risk of sanctions associated with doing business with Tehran.
This statement followed Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik’s assertion that Pakistan would seek exemption from US sanctions regarding the gas pipeline project, citing that “Pakistan cannot afford sanctions in the gas pipeline project.”
Contrary to Malik’s stance, the Foreign Office’s spokesperson mentioned during a press briefing last week that there was no room for discussion or waiver from a third party.
The issue gained momentum after US diplomat Donald Lu, in a detailed testimony before a US House subcommittee, emphasized Washington’s commitment to preventing the pipeline’s construction. Lu noted that Islamabad had not applied for a waiver for any potential US sanctions related to the project.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the US warning regarding the pipeline. When asked about the situation where “it seems like the United States left it at nowhere to meet up with the energy crisis,” Miller reiterated that helping Pakistan with its energy shortage crisis was a priority for the United States.
He highlighted previous US support, stating, “We have supported the addition of approximately 4,000 megawatts of clean energy capacity in Pakistan. Our projects have dramatically increased the nation’s electricity capacity, today powering the homes of millions of Pakistanis.”
Miller also mentioned the United States-Pakistan Green Alliance, an initiative addressing environmental challenges such as water management, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy, underscoring ongoing efforts between the two countries.
