Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was adamant in remarks published on Monday that he would not be persuaded by the US to drop plans to build a gas pipeline from Iran, the local news agency News Network International reported.

In an interview with Financial Times in Islamabad, Musharraf maintained he would take a decision by year-end that would be based solely on Pakistan's national interest.

"We are short of energy. We want gas immediately. Our industry is suffering; investment coming to Pakistan is suffering, so Pakistan's interest is to get gas fast. Iran is the fastest source," said the President.

What's more, the project involving Pakistan and India is seen as a cornerstone of a two-year-old peace process between the two neighbors.

However, because of the involvement of Iran, the project was against by the US administration.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, has warned the countries against proceeding with the 4.5 billion US dollars pipeline project, which US state department officials said it could expose energy-deficient India and Pakistan to US sanctions.

Qatar and Turkmenistan could provide politically easier substitutes for Iranian gas, but both face considerable logistical difficulties.

Source: Xinhua