Anjum Nisar says Iran-US engagement sparks hope for Pakistan’s energy projects
Islamabad
The recent revival of diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States has reignited hopes for the long-delayed Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project, a development that Pakistan’s business community views as critical for the country’s long-term energy security. The Businessmen Panel (BMP) of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has welcomed these developments, emphasizing that the pipeline project is no longer just an option—but an economic necessity.
BMP Chairman and former FPCCI President, Mian Anjum Nisar, has urged the government to seize this opportunity and move decisively toward completing the pipeline, which has remained stalled for over a decade due to geopolitical constraints, primarily international sanctions on Iran.
Speaking on the matter, Anjum Nisar stated that Pakistan’s energy crisis has reached a point where reliance on expensive imported fuels is no longer sustainable. He noted that the country spends billions of dollars annually on importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petroleum products, placing immense pressure on foreign exchange reserves and increasing the cost of doing business.
“The IP pipeline project offers Pakistan a reliable, cost-effective, and long-term energy solution,” he said. “With shifting global dynamics and the possibility of easing sanctions on Iran, this is the right time to revive and complete the project without further delay.”
The pipeline, originally conceived in the early 2000s, was formalized through agreements signed in 2009, with inauguration ceremonies held in 2013. While Iran has completed its portion of the pipeline, Pakistan has yet to begin construction on its side. Over the years, the project has faced repeated setbacks due to external pressures, particularly from the United States, which opposed energy cooperation with Iran.
However, recent signals of potential rapprochement between Washington and Tehran have created a new window of opportunity. According to energy experts, the removal or relaxation of sanctions could allow Pakistan to proceed with the project without fear of international penalties.
Anjum Nisar emphasized that the business community has consistently advocated for the revival of the IP pipeline. He recalled that both the BMP and the PIAF, on multiple occasions, highlighted the importance of diversifying Pakistan’s energy mix and reducing dependence on imported LNG.
“In recent years, PIAF and BMP have repeatedly urged policymakers to prioritize indigenous and regional energy solutions,” he said. “The IP pipeline aligns perfectly with this vision, as it ensures a steady supply of natural gas through a direct land route, minimizing risks associated with maritime disruptions.”
The recent Middle East tensions, which disrupted global energy supply chains, have further underscored the urgency of such projects. Pakistan, which imports nearly 85 percent of its oil requirements, faced significant challenges during the crisis, including interruptions in LNG supplies from Qatar and volatility in oil markets.
Anjum Nisar pointed out that a completed IP pipeline would help Pakistan bypass critical maritime chokepoints and ensure uninterrupted energy supplies even during regional conflicts. “Energy security is national security,” he remarked. “We cannot afford to remain vulnerable to external shocks.”
