ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said Pakistan would find an opportunity to complete the proposed Iran gas pipeline project within a year.

While talking to a private news channel, the minister said, “I think trade restrictions against Iran would be lifted, following an agreement between Iran and world powers.”

He said Pakistan had intensified its efforts to materialise the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

Khaqan said that the present situation seemed appropriate for carrying out the proposed Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, following a deal on Tehran's nuclear programme between Iran and world powers. The minister added that he is scheduled to hold a meeting with his Iranian counterpart next month.

Prominent economist Iqbal Hamid Khan also said that the Iran-Pakistan pipeline has become more important in the current scenario. He said the pipeline project could only be pursued if sanctions against Iran were lifted.

Hamid said the price at which Iran would sell gas to Pakistan was a little high but the electricity generated from imported gas would help to resolve shortage of electricity besides reducing power tariff.

Hamid said a two-year period would be required for completion of the project if work started immediately on the Pakistani side of the gas pipeline.