Musharraf wants China's involvement in project

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today pitched for close ally Beijing's involvement in the ambitious India-Pakistan-Iran gas project as he mooted construction of oil and gas pipelines from Gulf to China through his country.

"Pakistan is very much in favour of the pipeline between the Gulf and China through Pakistan," Musharraf said addressing the students of China's prestigious Tsinghua University here.

The Pakistan president, on a six-day visit to China, said he had already broached the issue during his meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.

"Let us hope for the future. Inshallah, it will happen," he said, responding to a question from a student who asked about the possibility of an oil-gas pipeline between China and Pakistan.

"India and Pakistan are trying for the gas pipeline between Iran, Pakistan and India. We are calling it IPI pipeline. Why can it not be IPC pipeline also," he said.