27 trillion cubic metres of gas: Turkmenistan highlights energy partnership with Pakistan

Turkmenistan has highlighted the proposed Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (TAPI) gas pipeline as a major opportunity

Islamabad:  Turkmenistan has highlighted the proposed Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (TAPI) gas pipeline as a major opportunity for Pakistan to improve its energy security, diversify gas supplies and strengthen trade links with Central Asia. The project, along with a planned electricity transmission network capable of supplying up to 3,000 megawatts of power to Pakistan, is part of a wider regional connectivity plan presented by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad.

The proposed TAPI pipeline is designed to carry natural gas from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field to energy markets in South Asia. According to the information shared by the embassy, the gas field has estimated reserves of around 27 trillion cubic metres, making it one of the major natural gas resources in the region.

The embassy said access to Turkmen gas could help Pakistan diversify its energy sources and meet the growing needs of households, industries and businesses. It also said the project could support industrial production, attract investment and strengthen economic cooperation among the participating countries.

The pipeline is part of a wider plan that includes electricity transmission and telecommunications infrastructure. A 1,635 kilometre fibre optic communication line is planned along the pipeline route through Afghanistan and Pakistan. The proposed system is intended to support pipeline monitoring and provide high capacity internet connectivity between Europe, Asia and Southeast Asia, with a planned transmission capacity of up to 100 gigabits per second.

Another project, known as the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan electricity transmission initiative, is intended to provide power to the TAPI pipeline and related facilities. It could also create an opportunity to export up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity through Afghanistan to Pakistan.

The embassy said these projects could help develop an integrated regional network for energy, transport and communication. However, their successful completion will depend on cooperation among the participating countries, investment, infrastructure development and the required legal and institutional arrangements.

The details were shared during a briefing for Pakistani media on November 6, as Turkmenistan marked the 35th anniversary of its independence in 2026. The country has declared the year under the theme “Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan, Homeland of Purposeful Heavenly Horses”.

The embassy described 2026 as a year of national achievements, international cooperation and regional connectivity. It highlighted the country’s efforts to strengthen relations with neighbouring states and strategic partners, particularly Pakistan, in energy, transport, trade and investment.

Turkmenistan also reported progress on infrastructure projects involving Afghanistan. In September 2024, construction began on the Serhetabat to Herat section of the TAPI pipeline. Work also started on the Turgundi to Sanabar section of the first phase of the Turgundi to Herat railway project. During the same month, the Nur ul Jihad power substation in Afghanistan’s Herat province was commissioned as part of the first phase of the electricity transmission project.

On October 20, 2025, Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited Herat and launched the next stage of the Serhetabat to Herat gas pipeline. The embassy said specialised machinery and equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, cranes, tractors and other heavy vehicles, had been arranged to support construction.

On August 10, 2026, Berdimuhamedov held talks with Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar. The discussions covered energy cooperation and major regional infrastructure projects, including TAPI and transport corridors connecting Central Asia with other regions. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between Turkmenistan’s state gas company Türkmengaz and Afghanistan’s Afghan Gas Corporation.

The embassy also highlighted Turkmenistan’s growing investment opportunities. The Turkmenistan Investment Forum, held in Ashgabat on October 1 and 2, attracted more than 800 delegates and guests from over 200 companies representing more than 40 countries, including Pakistan. The event resulted in the signing of bilateral documents, commercial contracts and cooperation memorandums.

The 31st International Conference and Exhibition on Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat from October 21 to 23. It attracted more than 1,500 delegates from 75 countries and around 450 companies. Discussions focused on the development of the Galkynysh gas field, the TAPI pipeline, new gas export routes, Caspian Sea cooperation and expansion of gas processing and petrochemical industries. Five bilateral agreements were signed with partners from China, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Turkmenistan also hosted the Construction, Industry and Energy of Turkmenistan conference from November 3 to 5, focusing on investment, modern technology, industrial development, energy efficiency, transport infrastructure and digital systems.

In September, the country held celebrations marking 35 years of independence. The main event took place in Ashgabat on September 27 and included a military parade, an aerial display, a naval parade in the Caspian Sea, cultural performances and fireworks.

Earlier, on September 23, the Halk Maslahaty, or People’s Council, approved important national development documents. These included an industrial development strategy for 2030 to 2045, a national concept on international law and neutrality, and a youth policy programme running until 2031.

October also saw several international meetings in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. These included meetings of Commonwealth of Independent States foreign ministers and heads of state, a regional conference on the use of water resources, an international women’s dialogue and a conference on demographic challenges. The Eighth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian leaders and Azerbaijan was also held there, with Azerbaijan participating as a full member for the first time. A Caspian Environmental Summit was held on October 9 to discuss protection of the sea and its surrounding environment.

For Pakistan, the proposed energy and transport projects could offer opportunities to improve energy supplies, attract investment and expand trade with Central Asian countries. Turkmenistan sees Pakistan as an important partner for reaching South Asian markets and diversifying its gas exports