ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has refused to budge on its decision, despite the United State’s pressure on the gas pipeline deal with Iran and has said that it will go ahead with the project.

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said the project was in the interest of Pakistan.

Khar was addressing a media briefing a day after the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned that the project was “inexplicable” and could invoke US sanctions that would further ‘undermine’ Pakistan’s ‘already shaky’ economy.

Khar said that Pakistan and the US understands the importance of relationships based on the mutual respect.

However, respecting one’s sovereignty was equally important, she added.

Khar reiterated the stance that Pakistan would not allow anyone to use its territory against others.

Talking about Afghanistan, Khar said that Pakistan stands with the neighbouring country in the peace process.

Pakistan favours the dialogue process between Afghan groups because the regional stability was directly associated with this process, she added.

Khar expressed hope of resolving all out-standing issues with India, saying the bi-lateral trade was in Pakistan’s interest.

Earlier this week, Islamabad has decided in principle to phase out the negative list between the two countries by December 31, 2012, which will complete the trade normalisation process.

Khar further said that normalising trade relations will help improve ties between the two neighbours.—DawnNews