ISLAMABAD: Except for the issue of international sanctions, the government is not under any other pressure against the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said.

Talking to reporters here on Wednesday after a technical workshop on energy issues, he said it was unfortunate that a technically and economically viable project had been hit by sanctions.

“We have the capacity to complete the project in 36 months after the sanctions are lifted,” he said.

He said Iran had been informed that there was no pressure on Pakistan on the issue from any other side. The neighbouring country was aware of the situation that was not of Pakistan’s making, he said.

Replying to a question, the minister said the government would try to restore gas supply to the transport sector in Punjab for three days a week during the summer, but the timing of then resumption would depend on weather conditions.

He said the requirement of natural gas in the country currently was about six billion cubic feet per day, while the total production was four billion cubic feet.

He said the government would ensure import of liquefied natural gas by the end of this year to partially meet the demand during the winter.

The minister said the government was trying to address critical issues confronting the economy.