A senior Pakistani member of the parliament says Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline is a crucial project which would definitely help Pakistan to overcome its energy challenges.

In an interview with IRNA, Mohammad Ijaz-ul-Haq Member National Assembly and Patron-in-Chief of Pak-Iran Joint Chamber Of Commerce and Industry, said Pakistan government needs to take immediate steps to complete the much awaited IP project.

“This project should be completed at the earliest,” he said.

Ijaz-ul-Haq stressed on the need to further boost Pakistan-Iran economic ties and hoped that the new government of President Hassan Rouhani and new government of Pakistan would take necessary steps in this regard.

Expressing his views, Ijaz-ul-Haq said that Iran and Pakistan are tied in the eternal bond of friendship. “Iran has always stood with Pakistan in difficult times,” he noted.

He appreciated President Rouhani’s message to new Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and said that sending such message on the eve of Pakistan ‘Independence Day’ is another big step toward cordial and friendly ties.

Patron-in-Chief of Pak-Iran Joint Chamber Of Commerce and Industry said that both countries should take more steps to achieve the target of $5 billion bilateral trade as agreed upon between the leadership of the two countries.

He added that there are lots of opportunities available between the two countries to enhance the trade ties.

Ijaz-ul-Haq termed as very important the statement of President Rouhani reiterating that 'Iran regards Pakistan security as its own.'

He added that both countries through their mutual cooperation in all fields can bring stability and prosperity in the region.

The politician was hopeful that the government of President Rouhani would take more steps to further strengthen ties with Pakistan.