Pakistan may import Iranian oil and gas, says Khawaja Asif

Pakistan may import gas and oil from Iran as Khawaja Asif signals progress on energy and trade cooperation. His remarks came during the visit of Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan. The one-day state visit took place at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, and regional connectivity.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan and Iran had discussed expanding economic and commercial ties. He noted that the long-discussed Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project could become a reality and that oil imports from Iran were also possible. According to the minister, transporting goods, gas, and oil through land routes would be more affordable and beneficial for consumers in both countries. He said Pakistan and Iran were exploring ways to increase bilateral trade and expand imports and exports across multiple sectors.

Khawaja Asif said stronger economic cooperation would benefit both nations and create new growth opportunities. He added that increased trade activity could play an important role in promoting development and stability in Balochistan by creating jobs and expanding business opportunities. Calling Pakistan-Iran trade a “win-win situation,” he said greater economic engagement would help address several regional challenges while improving the livelihoods of people living near the border.

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The defence minister also spoke about civil-military cooperation, describing it as a successful “hybrid system.” He said periods of tension between civilian and military institutions had negatively affected Pakistan’s political and economic progress in the past, while cooperation had produced positive results.

The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project has once again come into focus as diplomatic relations improve and discussions on regional cooperation gain momentum. The project was signed in 2009 and envisages Iran supplying up to one billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to Pakistan over 25 years.

While Iran completed its portion of the pipeline years ago, Pakistan has yet to complete its section due to sanctions-related concerns and financial constraints. However, growing optimism surrounding regional diplomacy has revived hopes that the long-delayed project could finally move forward.