Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University, Natural Science Edition ISSN: 1673-064X http://xisdxjxsu.asia VOLUME 20 ISSUE 05 MAY 2024 756-762 Peace Pipeline or Strategic Gamble Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project: Challenges, Opportunities and Foreign Policy Implications Sahar Shah Kazmi , Sheikh Waleed Rasool Department of International Relations Riphah International University, Islamabad Abstract- The Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project, once envisioned as “Peace Pipeline” has become “strategic gamble” due to political and economic uncertainties. This research explore the deep insights into challenges, Opportunities and foreign policy implications surrounding the project. The key challenges revolve around geopolitical tension in the region, due to economic issues, sanctions imposed by the USA on Iran, and security concerns in terror-prone areas. While, the pipeline project presents promising opportunities such as strengthening regional cooperation, mitigating energy shortages, and boosting economic progress. The research use mix method approach, primarily focus on qualitative analysis. The analysis reveal how US sanctions and regional instability have effect the project progress, while also highlights the potential benefits of energy security and regional cooperation for both Iran and Pakistan. Ultimately the research concludes that the Pipelines future depends on Pakistan’s ability to navigate the complex geopolitical dynamics, with the potential to become either bridge or barrier to regional peace. Index Terms- Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project, Strategic gamble, regional economic development, foreign policy implications I. INTRODUCTION he successful execution of multinational infrastructure projects often serves as a paces for regional cooperation and stability. One such project is the Iran-Pakistan(IP) Gas Pipeline. The pipeline, ambitious both in scope and potential benefits, has been a main point of discussions related to energy security and foreign policy in South Asia. In Pakistan’s case, Pakistan faces a significant challenge in meeting its growing energy demand, particularly for natural gas. Pakistan’s energy depends on heavily fossil fuels, with natural gas contributing 30%-40%. However the gas reserves are depleting which lead to an increased dependence on imports[1]. Whereas Pakistan’s economy and rising population need energy to power their homes and industries, Especially electricity. And the government shifted oil-based plant to gas-based plant for power generation, which also increase in natural gas consumption [2]. This research find to undertake a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities linked with the IP gas pipeline, particularly in the context of foreign policy shifts and its implications for regional energy dynamics. Be it the sovereignty issues, India- Pakistan tensions, the sanctions imposed on Iran, or the potential of the pipeline as a means to alleviate energy deficits and foster economic integration. The project symbolizes the complex interplay of geopolitical, economic, and strategic calculations that frame foreign policies. The relevance of the IP Gas Pipeline in the foreign policy context can hardly be exaggerated. Whether it is in allocating resources, forging new regional alliances, or realigning interests. Through this paper, we intend to explore not only into the myriad challenges that this pipeline faces but also unravel the opportunities it provides. And potential impact on the region, perspective largely overlooked in scholarly debates. And prospect for pipelines eventual completion. Background Certainly, the conception of the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline (IPGP), also known as the Peace Pipeline, was given by Rajenda k Pachauri while partnering with deputy Foreign Minister of Iran [3]. But the idea of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline was first given by a Pakistani Civil Engineer Malik Aftab Ahmed Khan in 1950s [4]. In his article “Persian Pipeline” apart from benefits of pipeline, he also proposed the protection method for security of this project in hostile terrority. The proposed pipeline, stretching over 2,775 kilometers (1724 Miles), is a symbol of cooperation between Iran, Pakistan, and India and represents a substantial shift in the energy politics of the region. And the estimated cost of the project is around $7.5b [5]. The pipeline aims to connect Iran’s massive South Pars gas field with the burgeoning energy markets of Pakistan and India, proposing to deliver over 2.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to India and T