National News

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP):Economist Dr.Gulfraz has said that the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Pipeline (TAPI) is a significant
project for regional stakeholders as the United States is also taking keen interest in the successful completion of TAPI project.
The project is in the best political interest of the United States, he said while talking to a Radio Programme.
TAPI project was brain stormed in 1995 and the incumbent government rapidly worked on this mega project, said, adding, the project had great significance for Pakistan as the country was in the dire need of energy to overcome its energy shortage.
Economist said the gas pipeline was the most economical source of energy and the regional connectivity and economical dependency on each other would improve the relation between the stakeholders.
Economist Mirza Ikhtyar Baig also said, TAPI will prove to be a substitute of Pak Iran gas pipeline project. The project will not only fulfil the shortage of energy in the country but will also generate revenue, establish regional connectivity and will help improve diplomatic relationships between the member countries.
He further said it was a very good omen that first phase of the project
had been completed and the second phase had just started in Afghanistan.
The security situation in Afghanistan was a serious concern however effective measures were being taken for successful completion of the project, he added.
Economist Dr.Huma Baqai said ,”It is expected that TAPI project will be completed by 2020, however the long term partnership between India and Pakistan will strengthen the ties between two countries and will improve the security paradigm in the region.”