Karachi, The Pasban Democratic Party has made a strong appeal to both America and Pakistan regarding the controversial Iran gas project, urging them not to support the initiative, if not outright oppose it. This stance comes amid ongoing discussions about the geopolitical implications of engaging with Iran amidst international sanctions. The party’s leadership contends that the current narrative potentially strains Pakistan’s relations with its neighbors and overlooks viable trade opportunities that could alleviate the country’s energy crisis.
According to Pasban Democratic Party, spokesperson Iqbal Hashmi criticized the United States’ sanctions and interventions, questioning their fairness and applicability to Pakistan. He highlighted the dire straits of Pakistan’s industrial sector, which is grappling with severe gas shortages, suggesting that alternative solutions, such as barter trade with Iran, are being overlooked due to external pressures. Hashmi’s comments underline a broader critique of the international sanctions regime against Iran, deemed illegal following the passage of United Nations Resolution 2231, and the perceived inaction of Pakistani policymakers in the face of potential energy solutions.
The party pointed to examples such as Sri Lanka, which has engaged in oil-for-tea barter trade with Iran, and India, which continues to bolster its trade relations with Iran despite being a strategic ally of the US. These examples are presented as viable models for Pakistan to consider for addressing its energy needs without exacerbating its financial burdens. The emphasis on external debt and its crippling impact on Pakistan’s economy was a recurrent theme, with the Pasban Democratic Party advocating for a concerted effort to rid the country of dependence on foreign financial institutions.
The call for a special campaign to address external debt and corruption reflects a deeper concern for the country’s sovereignty and the well-being of its citizens. The party’s statement ends on a note of nationalistic fervor, positing that with a committed leadership aware of its responsibilities towards national interests, Pakistan can achieve unprecedented levels of development, prosperity, and stability.
This stance by the Pasban Democratic Party adds a nuanced perspective to the ongoing debate about Pakistan’s foreign policy and economic strategies, particularly in relation to its energy security and international alliances.