TAPI gas pipeline project: 'Security still a big challenge in Afghanistan'

President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), Mian Zahid Hussain said that security of the TAPI gas pipeline project is still a big challenge in Afghanistan for which foolproof security measures should be finalised by the participating countries.
He said that early completion of TAPI gas pipeline project will benefit the entire region particularly the participating countries including Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. 3.3 billion cubic feet gas will be transmitted through 1814km-long pipeline from Turkmenistan to India via Afghanistan and Pakistan to curb gas demand of these countries.
While talking to the business community, he said that signing of hosting agreement between Pakistan and Turkmenistan is valuable step towards completion of this long awaited project which is comprised of two phases of $6 billion and $2 billion respectively.
He said that minister from Turkmenistan met the Energy Minister Omer Ayub and decision of forming working group on transmission of 1000MW electricity has taken which will create new investment opportunities and strengthen the bilateral trade between two countries.