Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday termed the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project as means to boost socio-economic development and bring unity to the region.

Speaking to the ceremony of the link-up projects of electricity transmission lines and fibre optics at Serhatabad, PM Abbasi said that the project will bridge gaps between nations in the region. PM added that he was grateful to the Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow for recreating historical linkages of the region.

Talking about benefits of the project to Pakistan, PM Abbasi said that the project would  cater 10 percent of Pakistan’s energy requirements and 20 percent of its natural gas needs, while TAPI would also provide the country with the much required gas security.

PM Abbasi also commended the Asian Development Bank for playing a major part in development of TAPI, while he also assured all the beneficiaries of full cooperation from Pakistan in making the project triumph.

The country’s premier said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)’s connectivity with the One Belt One Road would provide numerous opportunities and incentives for foreign investors.

Referring to Pakistan’s energy needs, he said that the government has already added 10,000 MWs of electricity in the past four years and said by end of 2019 would offer over 2500 kms of six-lane Motorways to connect the region.

The ceremony was also attended, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, M.J Akbar. PM Abbasi was accompanied by Minister of State for Energy Jam Kamal Khan.