Pakistan and Iran have signed an agreement for the construction of a much-delayed natural gas pipeline, officials say.

The $7.6bn project is crucial for Pakistan's growing energy requirements.

The pipeline was initially intended to carry gas on to India, but Delhi withdrew from negotiations last year.

Officials say the treaty was delayed because Pakistan had been unable to arrange funding.

Under the terms of the deal, Iran will provide 750m cubic feet of gas per day to Pakistan.
BBC News - Iran and Pakistan sign 'historic' pipeline deal