Summary
- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has called for an immediate end to military provocations and attacks across the Gulf region urging all sides to protect civilians safeguard commercial shipping and pursue diplomatic solutions to growing tensions.
- Addressing a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, expressed serious concern over threats to maritime navigation and the wider security situation.
- The ambassador also called on the Security Council to unite in demanding an end to military provocations, protecting civilians and commercial shipping, and advancing peaceful solutions.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has called for an immediate end to military provocations and attacks across the Gulf region urging all sides to protect civilians safeguard commercial shipping and pursue diplomatic solutions to growing tensions.
Addressing a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, expressed serious concern over threats to maritime navigation and the wider security situation.
Shah said the region’s major waterways were essential to international trade, carrying vital energy supplies and other commodities. He stressed that the security and prosperity of Gulf countries were particularly important to Pakistan because of their longstanding religious, historical and people-to-people connections.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s support for regional states the ambassador strongly condemned attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members and expressed solidarity with their governments and populations. He also called for respect for their sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
He described attacks on civilian facilities including airports, energy installations and other infrastructure, as unacceptable. Shah specifically condemned Houthi militia attacks and threats against Saudi Arabia including its civilian infrastructure and vessels involved in lawful trade.
He warned that such actions endangered regional stability, threatened freedom of navigation and disrupted international commerce.
Maritime security and global economic risks
The Pakistani envoy highlighted concerns over attacks on merchant vessels and disruptions to shipping through Bab al-Mandab and the Strait of Hormuz. He said such incidents put seafarers at risk and could have serious consequences for economies worldwide.
Shah noted that instability around major maritime routes had contributed to higher energy prices and increased concerns about global food insecurity with vulnerable economies facing particularly severe consequences.
He described the Strait of Hormuz as a vital international trade corridor, handling around one-third of globally traded crude oil and a significant portion of fertiliser shipments.
Pakistan called for the restoration of normal maritime passage, protection of ships and their crews, and the uninterrupted movement of humanitarian supplies.
Islamabad calls for diplomacy
Shah said lasting regional stability required addressing the underlying causes of conflict and establishing a framework built on shared security, peaceful coexistence, mutual prosperity and development.
He urged countries to keep communication channels open and give sustained support to regional diplomatic initiatives and the UN secretary-general’s good offices.
The ambassador also called on the Security Council to unite in demanding an end to military provocations, protecting civilians and commercial shipping, and advancing peaceful solutions.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working with regional countries and international partners to promote de-escalation, maritime security and lasting peace.
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