"This is a welcoming investment in our collective future and regional peace," the Liquid Petroleum Gas Association of Pakistan (LPGAP) said.

Pakistan has recently signed the Gas Sale Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with Iran to import Iranian Natural gas for domestic consumption.

The deal was signed during President Asif Ali Zardari's recent visit to Iran where he went to attend tripartite summit of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran on elimination of terrorism, drug and human trafficking.

It is expected that natural gas imported from Iran will be exclusively used to generate 5000 megawatts of electricity in the country.

The country badly needs 8 to 10 billion cubic feet of gas per day while the total supply is only four billion cubic feet.

Under the gas deal, about 750 million cubic feet of gas per day would be transferred to Pakistan through 2100 kilometer long pipeline. Out of which, some 1100KM line would be laid in Iran's territory and 1000 km in Pakistan.

The LPGAP spokesman Fasih Ahmed said the current natural gas deficit is impeding economic and industrial growth, and hampering long-term planning.

He said in a statement almost 50 percent of Pakistan's energy mix is based on natural gas, which covers households, industries, power plants and automobiles.

"Finalization of the Iran-Pakistan pipeline project will greatly help secure Pakistan's future economic growth and development," he added.

Fasih Ahmed called for an urgent review of the Natural Gas Management Policy-2005, saying "this is a flawed framework which feigns populism and is against the interests of the common man."