Riyadh wants gas pipeline project abandoned

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
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As Pak-Iran ties grow, Saudis invite Khar

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia soon after Riyadh voiced concerns over Pakistan’s rapidly growing economic and trade ties with neighbouring Tehran.

According to diplomatic sources, Saudi Arabia, on behalf of the United States, is pushing Islamabad to abandon its plan for importing natural gas from Iran.

Riyadh is also believed to be concerned over a recent move by Tehran offering crude oil to Pakistan on long-term deferred payments.

Tehran is reaching out to Islamabad in an effort to dispel the impression that it is facing international isolation in the wake of US economic sanctions over its controversial nuclear program.

It has not only offered to fund the Pakistani side of the pipeline but is also willing to support a number of other projects to help the country meet its energy requirements.

Pakistan, however, is under tremendous pressure from the US and Saudi Arabia. Recently, President Asif Ali Zardari delayed a scheduled trip to Iran.

However, a foreign ministry official said President Zardari would visit Tehran and the government has no plans to abandon the Iran pipeline project.

Pakistan’s reluctance to bow to pressure has compelled Saudi Arabia to invite Foreign Minister Khar for urgent talks. Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Abdul Aziz bin Ibrahim bin Salih Al Ghadeer extended an invitation to Khar on Wednesday to visit the kingdom at the earliest, according to a foreign ministry spokesperson.

Sources said Saudi Arabia might offer Pakistan alternative options to meet its growing energy demands in return for pulling out of the Iran gas pipeline.

Full Report

Knowing the influence of Saudis on Pakistan, Washington wants to double its pressure on Islamabad through the good offices of Riyadh to pull Pakistan back from gas pipeline project with Iran. Hillary Clinton in her last trip to Pakistan had also promised alternative energy options to stop Pakistan from going ahead with the project, but as a matter of fact, nothing transpired on the ground. Now shall we believe Saudis?

http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/473384-cartoonzahoorthdecember-1355933795-746-640x480.jpg

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Re: Riyadh wants gas pipeline project abandoned

Perhaps by "alternative energy" they mean the energy released when a bomb explodes in Pakistan?

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Re: Riyadh wants gas pipeline project abandoned

if pakistan has a shrewd enough leader, they would be in a great position right now to milk saudis and iran for lower and lower cost energy.

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Re: Riyadh wants gas pipeline project abandoned

^ we have got a shrewd leader but he is concerned with how to fill up his pockets.

on the other hand, Saudi request could be due to two factors, US could have asked them and then they themselves are fighting with them for influence in the Muslim world. Just like the Saudis maintain good relations with India, Pakistan should also tell them that they have to live in the region and hence can't abandon the neighbours.

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So thats what we get for celebrating eid with them :/

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We need good ties with both Iran and saudia, no need to join any camp and ask the two countries to back off from proxy wars in the country.

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Again retard far from facts remarks. In last five years no scandal surfaced against him. Even IK was not immune to misuse of Zakat, khairat fund as accused by Kh. Asif.

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A difficult situation to be in especially now the US is playing the Saudis against Pakistan to bring under pressure/control. However, as Ali has said it's important Pakistan keep their neighbours happy. After all, we share more with Iran than we do with Saudi. We are bordering nations, our province of Baluchistan is linguistically culturally similar to Sistan-Baluchistan.

In my opinion it is Pakistans best interest to sign the deal ASAP. We need cheap energy fast and this is the best way to move forward in terms of long term planning. KSA wont be angry for too long. As long as Pakistan has nukes they still need us to the point of Pakistani SSG unit guarding the royal family.

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IK didn't have to set aside his convictions by getting an NRO from a "dictator".. ;)

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I wonder how much of financial dependency Pakistan has with USA, KSa and Iran. It is too easy for any of these countries to squeeze because of that. so much for sovereignty

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didnt out great leader already ax this project recently?

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Really? When did the RPP's scam happen? OGRA scam, and what ever is happening in PIA, Railways and a countless other public organizations?

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Just like Riyadh and US has the right to trade with any country. Pakistan has the right to do the same. We have the right to take decision in our national interests. I dont understand their issue, they are not willing to help Pakistan with this gas crisis, however, whenever Iran steps forward to help us, they come up with these lame statements. We have scarificed enough to appease these both nations. its high time Pakistani leaders show some spine and go ahead with this long delayed project.

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^
We have spineless jellyfish for leaders.

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Last I read, FM said, they will go ahead with this project and it will finish on time. :hmmm: I hope they stick to this! its a matter of our survival now, gas crisis is growing bigger and bigger every year.

and the irony is Pakistan happens to be the 27th largest gas producer in the world :frowning: