Alwaght- Pakistan is working on a process to advance a project carrying Iranian gas to its territory to avoid a fine it has to pay for delay, Pakistan's Profit Magazine reported.
Islamabad has committed to "finalizing" the initial phase of the 80-kilometer-long pipeline on its Soil, Press TV reported citing the magazine.
Pakistan's Petroleum Division "is seeking cabinet approval" to start the project, and the board of Gas Infrastructure Development Cess "has been instructed to accelerate the financing of this initiative," the report added.
Iran has also reportedly extended the project's deadline by 180 days until September 2024 to avoid a legal dispute with Pakistan at international tribunals.
"This extension aims to prevent potential litigation and the strain it could cause on diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Iran, as Tehran may seek legal recourse to protect its interests in the pipeline project," the report noted.
The project, launched in 2013, required Pakistan to finish the construction of the pipeline on its territory by the end of 2014.
But the work stalled, upsetting Tehran, which has said it has already invested $2 billion in the pipeline on its side of the border.
Iran has completed its section of the pipeline, while Pakistan has yet to begin construction.
Pakistan would likely face an 18-billion-dollar fine if it terminates the gas pipeline agreement.
