Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline enters next stage of construction


Devised as a way of alleviating Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages, the pipeline has almost been completed on the Iranian side with construction set to begin imminently in Pakistan.

A nationwide power cut last month was blamed on a technical fault in a plant in south-western Balochistan province, but it highlighted the energy challenges the country faces.

A total of 780 kilometres of pipeline is due to be built in the country over the next two years.

Last year Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said the pipeline was "in Pakistan's national interest" and would be completed "irrespective of any extraneous considerations".