After spending two years trying to settle differences, Pakistan and Turkmenistan have revived formal discussions on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan and India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. This is the perfect time to embark upon such a venture and actively work towards making it a reality given how the gas crisis has worsened through the years. No doubt there are certain reassurances that have to be made—especially with regards to security—but the government must work towards finishing the project by the end of this year as well.
The objective of the meeting is purely technical; crafting a roadmap for the construction of the pipeline through Afghanistan and within Pakistan. Turkmenistan has already begun the development process domestically and we must follow suit too. Our gas situation has deteriorated considerably since the last two years. There is a nine percent drop in reserves every single year, the share of the LNG has shot up and inconsistent suppliers have defaulted on their commitments at the most crucial points in time. The only way to deal with these problems is to secure a steady gas supply which Turkmenistan is willing to supply, should we take the country up seriously on their offer.
The unfortunate reality is that a significant portion of the pipeline will have to pass through Afghanistan before it can reach Pakistan and here is where some anxieties are caused. There are legitimate concerns of security under the Taliban government and no move can be made unless it reassures all stakeholders that the country will be a safe ground for regional economic deals. Any incidents during the course of construction, or afterwards, will hamper the initiative, result in immense losses for all stakeholders involved and will worsen the gas crisis. The Taliban government must also realise the immense promise this deal has for its country as well, since it will not have to rely on other less-friendly countries for gas imports.
Our government must focus all its energy on ensuring that this deal comes to fruition and that gas is then able to flow freely between all the relevant countries. If we are able to get the reassurances we need, and complete construction, by the end of the year as well, that would make the entire process much smoother.​
Source: Published in The Nation