Karachi businessmen urge progress on Iran gas pipeline after US-Iran ceasefire

KARACHI: Business leaders in Karachi have welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire, describing it as a significant development and calling for progress on the Iran gas pipeline project in light of Pakistan’s energy needs.

Speaking at a meeting, Businessmen Group (BMG) Chairman Zubair Motiwala said the ceasefire was a major achievement. He said the development had brought immense pride to Pakistan, which, according to him, had effectively helped save the world from a much larger conflict.

Motiwala also expressed hope that the 15-day ceasefire would remain in place beyond its initial duration. He said the continuation of the truce would be important for regional stability and would create space for practical economic decisions linked to Pakistan’s long-term interests.

At the meeting, the BMG chairman said the United States should allow Pakistan to move ahead with the Iran gas pipeline project. He linked the matter directly to the country’s economic future, saying Pakistan’s long-term growth and industrial competitiveness depended heavily on access to affordable and uninterrupted energy supplies.

His remarks reflected concern within the business community over the importance of reliable energy for industry and broader economic activity. The emphasis remained on the need for a stable and cost-effective supply of gas to support industrial performance over the long term. "Pakistan's long-term growth and industrial competitiveness depended heavily on affordable and uninterrupted energy supply," he added.

The businessmen’s response came in the context of the recently announced US-Iran ceasefire, which they viewed positively. In their assessment, the development not only reduced the risk of a wider confrontation but also opened the possibility for Pakistan to revisit projects considered important for its energy security.

Motiwala’s comments at the meeting underlined the business community’s view that energy availability remains central to industrial competitiveness. He argued that moving forward on the pipeline would serve Pakistan’s broader economic interests if the international environment allowed such progress.

The meeting’s discussion centered on the ceasefire, its possible continuation after the initial 15-day period, and the opportunity it could create for Pakistan to pursue the Iran gas pipeline project. The businessmen said the ceasefire was an encouraging step and voiced support for efforts that could help ensure it lasts beyond the agreed period.

They also maintained that Pakistan had reason to take pride in the development, with Motiwala saying the country had played an effective role in preventing a much larger conflict. Alongside that assessment, he reiterated the need for the US to permit Pakistan to proceed with the pipeline project in view of the country’s energy and industrial requirements.