Iran warns Pakistan over delay in pipeline project

Tehran has cautioned Islamabad over falling behind schedule in fulfilling its obligations with regard to a multi-billion-dollar pipeline project that would take natural gas from Iran to Pakistan.

“Regarding a contract on selling gas to Pakistan, given the commitments under the joint deal, the Iranian side has completed more than 75 percent of the gas pipeline on Iranian soil so far,” said Iranian Deputy Oil Minister for International and Trade Affairs Ali Majedi on Wednesday, reports Press TV.

“Unfortunately, the Pakistani side has not taken any serious measures to deliver on its commitments under the contract,” he noted.

Majedi’s remarks come after Pakistan Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said one day earlier that it was not possible to work on the pipeline due to sanctions against Iran.

Iran expects the Pakistani side to honor its commitments and make up for its delay before the deadline for implementing the project expires, Majedi noted.