Islamabad, June 25, IRNA - A Pakistani parliamentarian on Wednesday stressed upon the government to give top priority to its crucial energy projects with neighboring Iran to cope with sever energy crisis in the country.


Speaking to IRNA, Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh belonging to Muttahida Qaumi Movement said that for Pakistan energy shortage has become a more serious issue than terrorism.

The lawmaker from Karachi said that it is very unfortunate that more than 1,000 people have lost their lives in Pakistani�s largest city of Karachi due to hot weather and lack of basic facilities.

He said that shortage of electricity and water are the main reasons for the increasing death toll in the economic hub of Pakistan.

The politician strongly believed that Pakistan should implement energy projects with neighboring states and Iran with surplus energy resources can play a major role in overcoming Pakistan�s energy woes.

He said that it is the policy of our party to develop strong relations with all of our neighboring states including Iran. �If Iran can help us in overcoming our energy crisis then the government should not hesitate in implementing such projects,� he opined.

Pakistan can use Iran�s huge resources of natural gas to provide enough fuel for its planned power plants, the MP said.

Criticizing Western powers for pressurizing Pakistan to limit its trade ties with Iran, Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh was of the view that the government should take the steps which serve the interest of Pakistan and not any other state.

Criticizing performance of the government he blamed ruling party for not doing enough to tackle with the problems of the people.

He said that Pakistan can cooperate with Iran in import of electricity to Balcohistan areas, building of gas pipelines and laying of direct fuel pipelines.

By IRNA