Pakistan is desperate for the completion of the $7.5 billion natural gas pipeline from in neighbouring Iran, which is expected to resolve Pakistan's chronic energy shortage.
But the project is objected to by the U.S., which seeks to force Iran to come clean about its nuclear program. Pakistan has been unable to finance its section of the pipeline over fears it might attract U.S. sanctions.
In some desperation, Islamabad asked Tehran to put up the $2 billion needed but last week Iran's deputy oil minister refused the request.
