Russia Extends Help to Pakistan For Gas, Power Projects

Russia has offered assistance to Pakistan for gas and power import projects to help the energy starved country overcome the crisis.

The projects in which Russia has expressed interest include Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) and Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipelines provided contracts are awarded to Russian firms without bidding, Express Tribune reported citing government officials.

In a preliminary meeting held in Islamabad on Tuesday, Russian authorities offered to extend cooperation in gas import through pipelines.

Pakistan is also planning to invite Russian firms to explore oil, gas and minerals in the country, the report said. It is also seeking China’s and Iran’s help to press ahead with the $1.5 billion IP gas pipeline.