Tapi peace

The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (Tapi) gas pipeline project, if successfully executed, will prove to be a game-changer for the entire region. The $10 billion pipeline project will create substantial employment opportunities, particularly in countries that are the main stakeholders in this joint venture. According to media reports, roughly 3.3 billion cubic feet gas would be pumped through the pipeline. Our share is expected to be 1.3 billion cubic feet. The same amount would perhaps be taken by India.

Whether the pipeline project measures up to the expectations of all stakeholders or not is something that is difficult to foretell at this point in time. However, a matter that is of immense concern and that could potentially retard the progress of the project is the prevalent instability in Afghanistan. If this issue is not dealt with on a war footing and resolved expeditiously, it could have a major impact on the completion of the project and make its fruition a distant dream. In view of the foregoing, it would not be inappropriate to conclude that the key to the successful execution of the Tapi pipeline project lies not only in peace and stability in Afghanistan but also on cordial and peaceful relations between India and Pakistan.

M Fazal Elahi

Islamabad