Iran, Pakistan sign gas pipeline deal

Pakistan has argued that the pipeline, which will connect Iran's South Pars gas field with Pakistan's Balochistan and Sindh provinces, is essential for efforts to meet its energy needs.

"It's in our legitimate economic interests," Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Basit said after the deal was signed on Tuesday.

He stated that construction of the pipeline should begin this year and it should become operational by 2014, The Wall Street Journal reported.

According to the terms of the final deal, Iran will supply 750 million cubic feet of gas per day to Pakistan for 25 years.

The US administration tried to block the deal to put more economic pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program.


/Press TV/