Islamabad, 25 August 2023 (TDI): Pakistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to accelerate progress on the pivotal Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project during high-level talks held on August 24.
The decision was reached during a recent meeting between Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov of Turkmenistan and Pakistan’s Interim Federal Minister for Energy, Muhammad Ali.
The joint effort aims to expedite the construction of the long-delayed venture which will transport natural gas from Turkmenistan to energy-deficient markets in South Asia.
During the meeting, Ambassador Movlamov conveyed his congratulations to Minister Ali on his new portfolio, and pleasantries were exchanged.
Minister Ali reciprocated by expressing gratitude and conveying regards from the Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar Ul Haq Kakar.
Minister Ali also added that the Prime Minister lauded the priority accorded to the TAPI project, showcasing the project’s significance in national priorities.
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Both parties highlighted the necessity of expediting the TAPI gas pipeline project. Minister Ali underscored the pivotal role of gas in Pakistan’s economy. Moreover, he stressed that with the escalating energy demands of the nation, aggressive measures are required for such projects.
The commitment towards the TAPI project was reiterated, with an emphasis on its forward momentum. The Host Government Agreement (HGA), a critical step, is expected to be concluded by October through mutual consensus.
Additionally, the working group overseeing the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) electricity project will convene frequent meetings to expedite its implementation.
The TAPI project, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aims to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field to Fazilka, India.
This monumental endeavor involves a 1,800 km pipeline with a design capacity of 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas per annum from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan up to India. However, the project has faced challenges due to differences in pricing and delivery points.
Despite these challenges, Minister Ali affirmed Pakistan’s approach to implementing TAPI to help meet its gas shortage. Ambassador Movlamov stated that both sides are committed to expediting the strategically important project which will bolster regional connectivity and spur economic growth.
In June 2023, Pakistan’s federal cabinet also endorsed the project’s Joint Implementation Plan (JIP). It is aimed to expedite the feasibility study and hasten the transition to the construction phase.
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