Daily Times

The attorney general of Pakistan (AGP) has extended his legal opinion about North-South Gas Pipeline Project, categorically rejecting the Ministry of Petroleum’s stance about two Russian companies.

It is pertinent to mention here that a letter written by the Ministry of Petroleum to the attorney general a few months back regarding awarding contract of the project to the Russian companies was withdrawn within a week. However, the secretary petroleum again wrote a letter to the attorney general, seeking legal opinion about the two Russian companies – ETK and TMA. In response, the AGP, after thorough investigation and consultation with some US and British companies, categorically rejected the petroleum ministry’s stance, credible sources told Online.

The ministry of petroleum had declared TMK ineligible and misfit for the gas pipeline project as the authorities reportedly wanted to award contract to the other Russian company, ETK. A powerful advisor to the prime minister has also reportedly joined the ministry officials who are out to award the contract to the ETK, and is using his influence in this regard.

Sources told Online that the AGP office has maintained in its legal opinion that the objections raised by the ministry against Russian company TMK are ‘unfounded’ and ‘baseless’ and that the company has capability and potential to materialize the project. The AGP office has, however, given a negative opinion about the other Russian company ETK, and has maintained, in consultation with the US and British companies, that the ETK has neither capability nor prior experience to successfully execute such a huge project. The report by attorney general maintains that there is no bar on the TMK company while the ETK is facing some sanctions. When contacted, Petroleum Advisor Nadim Babar took the stance in a brief written message that all such information is incorrect and that the Ministry of Petroleum spokesperson be contacted for further details. However, when contacted, Ministry of Petroleum spokesperson didn’t give any response. Even petroleum secretary avoided to give reply on the matter when contacted.