Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said that Pak-Iran gas pipeline is in national interest and a preference of the government.

Talking to Voice of Germany (VOA), she mentioned to rapidly going on work on the project and hoped, it will be completed by 2014. The minister rejected the impression that the progress on Pak-Iran gas pipeline had been slowed down due to the fresh US sanctions on Iran.

Foreign Minister explained that the US sanctions on Iran were related to petroleum rather than gas. Therefore, these sanctions would not impede the gas pipeline project.
While reiterating Pakistan’s stand, she said these unilateral sanctions on a country were not helpful, and mostly had been ineffective.
To a question, Hina said that Pakistan is aware of its international responsibilities. We know that the sanctions declared by the UN should be followed by its member nations.
Foreign Minister said that soon Pakistan would start laying pipeline on its side.
She said that the gas imported from Iran would reduce the current energy crisis in Pakistan. Under this project, more than 700 million cubic feet gas would be imported on daily basis through 2100 km long pipeline.