ISLAMABAD: The United States has cautioned Pakistan about the potential consequences of pursuing business deals with Iran. This warning came from US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, who addressed concerns about the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project.
Miller stated, “We will continue to enforce our sanctions against Iran. As a matter of course, we also advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential ramifications of those deals.”
In April this year, Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy resumed work on the Pakistan-Iran Gas Pipeline Project.
The project involves constructing an 80-kilometre pipeline from Gwadar to a connection point with the pipeline on Iranian territory. The project, which has faced nearly a decade of delays, is now expected to be completed within 24 months at an estimated cost of Rs44 billion.
Initially slated for completion in December 2014, with operations set to begin in January 2015, the project has been significantly delayed.
Despite this, US officials underscored their commitment to helping Pakistan address its energy shortage, with Miller adding, “We continue to discuss energy security with the Government of Pakistan.”
Additionally, Miller condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, which claimed the lives of over 50 people.
He expressed sympathy for the victims, saying, “The Pakistani people have suffered greatly at the hands of violent extremist terrorists, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those killed.”
Miller also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, stating, “The United States and Pakistan have a shared interest in combatting threats to regional security, and we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.”
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