According to the details, Islamabad has acquired the services of three law firms along with an Australia-based counsel, known for his specialization in oil and gas infrastructure law.
Earlier in August 2024, Iran served the final notice and moved to the International Court of Arbitration against Pakistan over its failure to complete its portion of the bilateral pipeline under the Iran-Pakistan gas project within the extended 180-day deadline.
Pakistan’s deadline to complete the portion of the pipeline in its territory ended earlier in March this year. Iran however facilitated Pakistan and extended the 180-day deadline that is to expire in September 2024, however, authorities again failed to lay down the pipeline.
On October 18, Pakistan submitted the details of its legal representation to the France-based Court of Arbitration. The legal teams and main counsel have been briefed on the details of the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project and the challenges that have hindered its completion, the sources within the Law Division said.
Sources further said that Pakistan will consult with the legal team to appoint one arbitrator. Likewise, Iran will also appoint one arbitrator as part of the arbitration process. Both nations will jointly nominate a third arbitrator, completing the tribunal required for the case to move forward. Once established, the Arbitration Court is expected to decide within a year.
The gas pipeline project has been facing a 10-year delay since 2014 over proposed US sanctions on the project.
