ISLAMABAD: The experts Monday highlighted the importance of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, saying it would play an important role in economic development of the country.
The experts expressed this while talking in Radio Pakistan’s Current Affairs’ programme on Monday.
Board Of Investment Chairman Dr Miftah Ismail said that the TAPI project was in best interest of Pakistan and would play an important role in economic development of the country. He said, “Our present reserves have been reducing so this project will be helpful to increase gas reserves in the country.”
The TAPI project, he said would support the government in efforts to overcome gas and energy shortages. He said many development projects regarding power and gas shortage were expected to be completed till 2018-19.
Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal said Pakistan was already been producing 2 billion mmcfd gas locally whereas the demand was of 6 billion mmcfd.
This, he said, was a $10 billion trans-regional energy project, adding that 70% of Pakistan’s demand would be fulfilled through this project. The country would invest only 5% in this project while Turkmenistan would bear 85% of overall expenses, he said.
“The credit for development projects and improving the economy of the country goes to present government,” he added.
Inter-State Gas Systems Managing Director Mubeen Saulat said that the project was expected to be practically implemented almost 25 years ago; but now, the dream came true and the foundation stone of TAPI gas pipeline project has been laid. TAPI gas pipeline project would help promote peace and trade amongst the regional countries, he said.
