ISLAMABAD: The Taliban on Sunday voiced their support for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, Afghan media reported on Monday, months after the group formed an interim government in the war-torn country.
The statement by the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, came during the visit of Turkmenistan foreign minister Rashid Meredov to Kabul.
The multibillion-dollar gas pipeline project aims to supply gas from Turkmenistan via Afghanistan and Pakistan up to Pakistan’s border with India.
“Important issues such as TAPI, railroads and electricity were discussed. We discussed how to strengthen the projects that had already started,” Afghanistan’s TOLO news channel quoted Muttaqi as saying at a joint press conference with Meredov.
“Also, the projects that were started by Turkmenistan, such as TAPI — its practical implementation will start soon in Afghanistan.”
The TAPI gas pipeline is expected to carry 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas each year along a route stretching 1,814 kilometers (1,125 miles) from Galkynysh, the world’s second-biggest gas field, to the Indian city of Fazilka, close to the Pakistan border, according to the report.
Work on the project began in Afghanistan in February 2018, with at least 816km stretch of the pipeline passing through the land-locked country to Pakistan and India. However, its construction has faced delays in Afghanistan and Pakistan over the past years.
Meredov said the Turkmen delegation and Afghan officials held constructive talks on economic and political issues.
During the visit, the Turkmen foreign minister met with the Taliban’s deputy prime minister Abdul Salam Hanafi and discussed economic affairs — especially the TAPI project — and railroads, and “made important decisions,” the report quoted Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid as saying.
Meredov also invited the acting Afghan foreign minister to visit Turkmenistan.
Taliban back gas pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India
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Taliban back gas pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India
- Development came during Turkmen foreign minister Rashid Meredov’s visit to Kabul
- Meredov said he held constructive talks with Taliban officials on economic, political issues
Pakistan forecasts inflation to remain in moderate 5.5-6.5 percent range
- Finance Division report says robust remittance inflows, steady performance of IT, service sectors to cushion external pressures
- Consumer inflation in Pakistan has significantly reduced over the years when it surged to a record high of 38 percent in May 2023
ISLAMABAD: Inflation is expected to remain in the moderate range of 5.5 to 6.5 percent for December, the Finance Division said in its Monthly Economic Outlook report on Wednesday.
Pakistan reported inflation at 6.1 percent on a year-on-year basis in November as compared to 6.2 percent in October. Pakistan’s inflation rate rose to a record high of 38 percent in May 2023 on account of surging food and fuel costs as Islamabad scrapped subsidies as part of a financial deal agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Inflation is projected to remain moderate, in the range of 5.5-6.5 percent in December, primarily reflecting base effect,” the report said.
The Finance Division’s report said Pakistan’s economic outlook remains “positive,” driven by sustained growth in industrial activity due to continued momentum in textiles, automobiles, cement and food processing sectors.
“Robust remittance inflows and steady performance in IT and services exports are likely to cushion external pressures,” the report said.
The report said Pakistan’s current account recorded a surplus of $100 million while it posted a deficit of $812 million during the July-November period.
It said remittances increased by 9.3 percent to $16.1 billion in November, led by inflows from Saudi Arabia (24.2 percent) and the UAE (20.8 percent), while the net foreign direct investment inflows were recorded at $927.4 million during the same July to November period.
It said Pakistan’s fiscal consolidation is expected to continue supporting macroeconomic stability, with government efforts in expenditure management, enhanced tax collection and structural reforms contributing to sustainable growth.
“Overall, Pakistan’s economy is projected to maintain its positive momentum in the coming months, driven by industrial growth, improved governance, digitalization, and prudent macroeconomic management,” the report said.
