Adviser to Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain has said that those who oppose the IP gas pipeline cannot be friends of Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Asim wondered why certain quarters were raising much cry over the peace gasline while Iran already exports petroleum products to several countries, including India, Turkey, Qatar and China.

He said the opponents of the IP gas pipeline are in fact enemies of the country. He said the IP gasline a lifeline for both the countries, and the demand of reviewing the decision is incomprehensible.

APP adds: Dr Asim Hussain said the PPP’s top leadership and members of the Parliament were committed to completing the IP gas project for country’s prosperity.

Talking to Pakistan Television (PTV), he said that Pak-Iran gas pipeline project would strengthen the economy and fulfill the energy demand of the country.

Pakistan would have the capacity of generating more than 4,000 MW electricity after completion of the project, he said.To a question, he said that it would also helpful increase industrial production in Pakistan.

The government had launched the gas project in national interest despite international pressure, he said.He said that the project would provide 3,000 jobs to the people. It is the cheapest source of energy for Pakistan, he added.

To another question, he said that the work on the project would be started within two weeks and the project would be completed by December 2014.

He said that drilling work was continuing in different areas of the country to find more reservoirs of oil and gas. He said that the government had also taken steps to upgrade four refineries in the country.

To another question, he said that the government had been working on the gas project since the time it came into power.Ahmad Ahmadani adds: Dr Asim Hussain has said that Qatar has assured supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Pakistan and a summary would be tabled in the Federal Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (today).

“Since Qatar has assured reduced price of LNG to Pakistan and a summary to this effect would be presented in the Federal cabinet. The next government will further strengthen this project,” he said.

During a press conference, he also said that Pakistan and Iran agreed to establish an oil refinery at Gwadar with a refining capacity of 400,000 barrels and within three years this refinery will also invest $2.5 billion.

Asim also informed that Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has won the bid for 29 blocks of oil and gas. He said around $372 million investment would be made for oil and gas exploration in 60 blocks.

“On 14 March, there would be a groundbreaking for an oil refinery to be established with the help, support and cooperation of KP government and PSO, he said, adding,” gas companies will invest $4billion investment for the exploration of gas in the country.
While admitting increase in gas theft owing to the involvement of gas utilities officials, Asim said there is no contradiction that officials of gas companies are involved in the heinous crime of gas theft.