ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik informed the Senate on Tuesday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-level committee to negotiate a mutually acceptable resolution for the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. This initiative aims to address potential financial liabilities stemming from arbitration while simultaneously securing the nation’s future energy requirements.

Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Senator Talha Mahmood, the minister stated that the newly formed committee is conducting a comprehensive review of the project’s legal, financial, and technical dimensions. The government’s objective is to secure a solution that aligns with Pakistan’s national interest. As the administration navigates complex international challenges, it remains focused on long-term stability, much like the Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reviews bilateral ties with Kuwait FM to strengthen regional cooperation.

Strategic Engagement and Arbitration Risks

Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasized the brotherly relations between the two nations, noting that leadership on both sides is actively engaged in finding an amicable settlement. He acknowledged that Iran has achieved significant infrastructure progress, having extended the pipeline from the South Pars field to a location near the border. However, because the matter has reached arbitration in Paris, Pakistan is exercising extreme caution to mitigate potential financial exposure.

The government is prioritizing a negotiated settlement to avoid the protracted complications associated with international litigation. This diplomatic approach is consistent with broader economic management strategies, similar to how the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discusses bilateral investment with Qatari delegation to foster foreign interest in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Focus on Balochistan Energy Concerns

Addressing specific energy grievances raised regarding Balochistan, the minister confirmed that the Prime Minister has directed him to maintain active engagement with provincial stakeholders. He noted that a separate, high-level committee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is currently examining all gas-related issues in the province. This includes a detailed review of technical challenges and payment obligations to ensure provincial energy needs are addressed in line with the federal government’s policy objectives for national development, such as the recently introduced initiative where the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launches National Olive Value Chain Policy to bolster internal production.