While previously relying on relatively mild signalling and posturing in trying to lure Pakistan away from the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, the United States has now come right out and said it: it wants Pakistan to drop the project altogether.  Pakistan also needs to draw a very clear distinction between UN sanctions and those imposed by the US. Pakistan is bearing heavy losses due to the energy crisis and needs to go ahead and explore all its options. It cannot be bullied into giving up on its own interests. And the US would also do well to desist from its diplomatic blitz and the ensuing tensions it is creating in the region; tensions that have the potential to reset a number of geopolitical calculations – an unwanted outcome in a part of the world that has no need for more problems.  If India and China and continue buying fuel from Iran despite the US sanctions why Pakistan should capitulate to such demands. 

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