Pak-India tensions not to affect TAPI project

ISLAMABAD: Some quarters raise doubts about the future of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (Tapi) and other offshore gas pipeline projects in the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir.

"However, Pakistan has assured Turkmenistan that rising tensions with India will have no effect on the mega project," a government official has told The Express Tribune.

Interstate Gas Systems (ISGS) is working on some big pipeline projects including Tapi, North-South Pipeline and Offshore Gas Pipeline. In addition, the company also plans to set up underground gas storages to ensure energy security through load management in the country.

Tapi, a peace pipeline project, promises connectivity between Central and South Asia. It will pass through war-torn Afghanistan and Pakistan to India to boost economic activity and to ensure peace and stability in the region.

This project would also help connect two regions through road, rail and fiber cable network.

The construction work has already started in Turkmenistan and is expected to start soon from Turkmen-Afghan border to Herat section, the official said, adding that construction activities in Pakistan are set to kick off during the first quarter of 2020. "There has been tension between Pakistan and India over Kashmir. However, this will not affect TAPI pipeline project," the official said. European banks and firms had been shortlisted for provision of pipeline material and EPC contract.