Iran to fine cash-strapped Pak? Sharif govt risks losing $18 billion over gas pipeline delay

Pakistan may lose a whopping $18 billion even as the country faces a severe financial crisis. Reports say that the Shehbaz Sharif govt has been asked to 'eliminate obstacles' in the way of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline in order to avoid a possible fine of $18 billion dollar. The deal between the two country states that the project must be completed by 2024. The headache for the Shehbaz Sharif comes at a time when the country is facing a severe economic crisis and seeks a much-needed IMF bailout to avert a default.