ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said that there does not seem any rationale to impose sanctions on Pakistan if it goes ahead with $7.5 billion Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project to overcome its energy crises.
The US has asked Pakistan to not to advance with Iran-Pak gas pipeline deal as Iran is not a “reliable” partner and will also violate its sanctions on the country under Iran Sanctions Act (ISA).
“Just to be absolutely clear, if the deal for a proposed Iran-Pakistan pipeline is finalised, it would raise serious concerns under our Iran Sanctions Act. We’ve made that absolutely clear to our Pakistani counterparts,” spokesperson for the State Department, Victoria Nuland said on Thursday. “Iran has proven again and again that it is not a reliable partner,” she said.
While Pakistani foreign office spokesman in a media briefing on Thursday rejected US concerns and said that IP gas pipeline project would be completed despite US pressure.
The ADB country Director further said in a statement that Pakistan’s upcoming caretaker government could negotiate with International Monetary Fund (IMF) over loan program, adding that the ADB’s loan was linked to IMF loan. However, he said the upcoming government would receive the fresh loan.
DND
