ISLAMABAD. Apr 3: In a surprise gesture to hostile neighbour India, Pakistan's army-led government approved a pipeline from Iran, across Pakistan to supply gas to India. Jehangir Bashar, a Petroleum Ministry spokesman said today. reports AP.

"It will be an onshore pipeline and Pakistan will get transit fees for providing passage." said Bashar.

Project details were scarce and Bashar said it was too early to say when construction on the pipeline would begin. Petroleum industry officials say Pakistan could make millions of dollars in transit fees.

Cooperation is rare for Pakistan and India, uneasy neighbours who have fought three wars since 1947 when British rule of the subcontinent ended and Pakistan was created as a homeland for Muslims of the region.

The agreement to let the pipeline run through Pakistan is considered a major gesture by the country's army ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf.