Gas pipeline project postponed again over external pressure

Islamabad: Just when the dream of signing gas pipeline project with Iran was to be materialized, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari departed to London instead of Tehran on Monday.

A private news channel reported that the agreement was to be signed in Iran after much delay but was delayed ‘on the pressure of United States’ that doesn’t want the deal done. US ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson had expressed strong concerns on the project because of its standoff with Iran on its nuclear programme. The agreement that was direly needed by Pakistan to support its weakening economy was undermined when it was nearing its completion. The president himself had said that ‘the nation will hear good news soon’. The news source quoted his speech on a mammoth gathering in the past where he said “We want to live, we want a better future for our children. Pakistan has made its decision; no one should tell us what we should do and what we should not.  We will not accept this dictation.” Iran has a big heart for Pakistan as President Ahmadinejad visited the country only to attend the D8Summit. It is feared that the fresh move will increase dependence on US aid and further Pakistani economy. http://rtilive.pk/detail/7644