Gas pipeline project, Russia's refusal to talk with Pakistan
No progress could be made
on the Pakistan Stream gas pipeline project.
According to media reports, in the agenda of the Pakistani
delegation that went to Russia on October 10, apart from the long-term oil
contract, the issue of gas pipeline was also included in the agenda.
When the Pakistani delegation mentioned the gas pipeline,
Russian officials refused to discuss the issue.
Sources say that the Russian officials told the Pakistani
delegation that Pakistan should put its house first on the issue of gas
pipeline. Pakistan has made six changes in the structure of this project so
far.
In May 2021, during the PTI government, an agreement was reached
to start work on the project, which was signed by Shafaqt Ali Khan, the
Pakistani ambassador posted in Moscow at that time, and the Russian minister,
Nikolai Shulginov. But this agreement could not be implemented.
When the PML-N came to power, Energy Minister Mossadegh Malik
visited Russia and insisted on completing the project on BOT basis.
Under this project, all investments were to be made by Russia
and after 25 years it was to be handed over to the Government of Pakistan.
Now, during the recent negotiations, the Russians were so
embarrassed that they refused to discuss the project.
