Challenges to The Pak-Iran gas pipeline | | DailyWriteups | Opinions
The following article, “Discuss The Pak-Iran gas pipeline in Detail And The Challenges to It.”, is written by Khalid Nazir, a student of Sir Syed Kazim Ali. Moreover, the article is written on the same pattern, taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. Sir Kazim has uploaded his students’ solved past paper questions so other thousands of aspirants can understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-A critical overview of the Pak-Iran gas pipeline
3-What are the obstacles hindering the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project from materializing?
- ✓US-led sanctions on Iran deterred Pakistan from participating in this project
- ✓Saudi Arabia’s pressure on Pakistan to walk out of the gap pipeline project due to regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran
- ✓Pakistan’s fragile economy unable to support the billions of dollars of expenditure for developing the gas pipeline
4-What remedial measures can be implemented to get the gas pipeline back on track?
- ✓To carry intense diplomatic efforts to navigate around international sanctions and geo-political tensions
- ✓To secure financial support from friendly countries and international institutions for developing the gas pipeline
- ✓To convince Iranian leadership to extend the deadline for completing the gas pipeline project
5-Critical analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
1-Introduction
The Pak-Iran gas pipeline, also called the peace pipeline, is a game-changer project aimed at addressing the critical shortage of energy in Pakistan and providing a much-needed breathing room for the sanctions-stricken Iran’s economy. The pipeline is indeed designed to transport natural gas from Iran to Pakistan, providing the latter with a reliable and affordable energy source and creating a win-win situation for both countries. The project has the potential to put an end to the energy starvation suffered by Pakistan for decades. However, some serious challenges, like renewed US Sanctions on Iran, Saudi Arabia’s pressure on Pakistan to abolish the project, and the astronomical cost of 7.5 billion dollars, have impeded its progress, posing a serious threat to the materialization of the ambitious gas pipeline project. Nevertheless, some remedial measures, such as implementing diplomatic measures to maneuver around US-led sanctions and securing financial support from friendly countries and international institutions, will undoubtedly contribute a lot to ensuring the project’s materialization. In conclusion, the gas pipeline project can resolve Pakistan’s energy crisis and revamp Iran’s economy. Nonetheless, despite some hindrances threatening to derail the project, carrying out intense diplomatic efforts to navigate international sanctions and securing financial support can help realize the crucial project and cure the country from the catastrophe of an energy crisis.
2-A critical overview of the Pak-Iran gas pipeline
To begin with, the idea of a gas pipeline between Pakistan and Iran dates back to the 1990s. The initial discussions and agreements gained momentum in the early 2000s, and in 2010, both countries signed a formal agreement to proceed with the pipeline’s construction. The proposed pipeline would stretch from Iran’s South Pars gas field to the Pakistan-India border, supplying much-needed energy to alleviate Pakistan’s energy crisis. Ironically, despite enormous potential benefits, the project has faced substantial impediments. However, Pakistan’s leadership has stepped up its efforts to solve the obstacles to this ambitious project.
3-Obstacles hindering the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project
US-led sanctions on Iran deterred Pakistan from completing the project
Furthermore, Pakistan is genuinely interested in completing this project as soon as possible. However, a complex web of obstacles and challenges hinders the country’s ability to materialize this project. First, Iran faces many sanctions imposed on it by the United States. According to the US Department of State, “The United States has applied various economic, trade, scientific, and military sanctions against Iran since 1979.” These sanctions have deterred Pakistan from actively participating in the project due to the fear of facing punitive measures by the United States. Hence, this pressure from the US has made it challenging for Pakistan to proceed with the pipeline.
Saudi Arabia’s pressure on Pakistan to walk out of the gap pipeline project due to regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran
Moreover, Saudi Arabia, a key ally of Pakistan, has exerted pressure on Pakistan to withdraw from the gas pipeline project. The roots of this scenario lie in the longstanding regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Pakistan’s delicate diplomatic position has forced it to balance its relations with both countries, impacting its ability to move forward with the pipeline. Hence, the unwillingness of Saudi Arabia to see Pakistan deepen its ties with Iran is also a key factor hindering the development of this project.
Pakistan’s fragile economy unable to support the billions of dollars of expenditure for developing the gas pipeline
Lastly, Pakistan’s fragile and debt-ridden economy has significantly hindered the gas pipeline project. The country’s ailing economy cannot support the substantial financial expenditure required for developing the pipeline. According to the Legatum Prosperity Index (LPI), Pakistan ranks 136th out of 167. These statistics highlight the dire straits of the country’s economy, adding another layer to the project’s complexity and reducing the probability of this project turning into reality.
4-What remedial measures can be implemented to get the gas pipeline back on track?
Although the gas project has faced significant roadblocks and hindrances, all hope is not lost. By implementing some remedial measures, this project can turn into reality instead of merely existing on paper.
To carry intense diplomatic efforts to navigate around international sanctions and geo-political tensions
First, intense and sincere diplomatic efforts must be carried out to navigate international sanctions on Iran and regional geo-political tensions that are hindering this gas pipeline project from materializing. This includes negotiations with relevant stakeholders, such as the US and Iran, to seek exemptions that allow the project to move forward without facing severe repercussions. Hence, sagacious and effective diplomatic measures are a necessary prerequisite for turning this project into reality.
To secure financial support from friendly countries and international institutions for developing the gas pipeline
Furthermore, securing financial support from friendly countries and international institutions is crucial to address Pakistan’s economic constraints. Seeking funding from allies or institutions interested in regional stability can provide the necessary resources to develop the gas pipeline infrastructure. This financial support can do wonders in materializing the gas project. Therefore, securing financial support is of crucial importance for the development of the gas project.
To convince Iranian leadership to extend the deadline for completing the gas pipeline project
Last but not least, given the rampant political instability and dire straits of the country’s economy, engaging in diplomatic dialogue with the Iranian leadership may be helpful to extend the deadline for completing the gas pipeline project. This extension will loosen the tightening noose around the country’s neck by providing Pakistan with more time to navigate challenges and gather the required resources for the successful implementation of the project. Thus, convincing Iranian officials to give more time to complete the project will contribute significantly to making this gas pipeline project a reality.
5-Critical analysis
In a robust analysis, Pakistan wants to make this project a reality rather than sacrificing it on the altar of regional animosities, economic challenges, and international sanctions. However, the country has remained incapable of developing this project due to its compromised sovereignty. This compromised economy results from the country’s ailing economy that is on the verge of collapse. Hence, by improving and reforming the country’s economy, it can make decisions that suit its interests and not have to dance to the tunes of international powers.
6-Conclusion
In conclusion, the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project holds immense potential for addressing Pakistan’s energy needs. However, the project has been hampered by intricate challenges, including US-led sanctions, regional rivalries, and economic constraints. Nevertheless, remedial measures, such as diplomatic efforts, financial support, and negotiations for deadline extensions, can pave the way for making the project see the light of the day. The completion of this project holds significant promise for Pakistan as it will not only promote peace in the region but will also offer a sustainable solution to Pakistan’s energy crisis.
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