Iran-Pakistan pipeline boon for region

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, June 28 (UPI) -- A planned natural gas pipeline from the South Pars gas field in Iran will help Pakistan find relief for a looming energy crisis, an Iranian envoy said.

First deliveries of natural gas through the pipeline are expected in Pakistan by 2015. Islamabad has contracted 750,000 cubic feet of gas per day through the pipeline under the terms of the 25-year deal.

Mashallah Shakri, the Iranian envoy to Pakistan, said the deal would be a boost for bilateral affairs, the Daily Times newspaper in Pakistan said.

"I think this mega-project will be helpful and beneficial for both of the neighboring countries," he said.

Pakistan is wrestling with a looming energy crisis that is plunging parts of the country into darkness because of rolling blackouts.

Shakri said gas from the pipeline would help give energy security to his neighbors in Pakistan.

"We know Pakistan is facing energy crisis and this project would facilitate the country to overcome the issue," he added.

The deal for the pipeline was finalized as the U.N. Security Council put the finishing touches on new sanctions against Iran.

Washington, which is reviewing its own unilateral sanctions measure, opposes the gas pipeline because of the economic benefit for Iran.