Pakistan’s UN envoy calls for protection of ships and crews and restoration of normal maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandab and Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan has called on the Houthi movement to immediately halt attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning that continued attacks could have serious consequences for maritime security and regional peace and stability.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, made the remarks during a UN Security Council meeting convened by Bahrain on Friday to discuss threats to freedom of navigation and the worsening security situation around the strategic waterway. Pakistan’s position was also reported by the country’s state broadcaster and Pakistani media.
Ahmad condemned attacks by the Houthis on merchant shipping and seafarers in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and called for an immediate reduction in tensions, the protection of ships and their crews, and the restoration of normal maritime passage.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council that the situation around the Bab al-Mandab Strait had become increasingly volatile. He called for freedom of navigation in the Red Sea to be protected in accordance with international law and warned that developments in the area could add to wider concerns over maritime security, energy markets and food security.
Ahmad said attacks on merchant vessels were undermining maritime security and could have wider consequences for regional peace and development. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
Saudi Arabia’s representative, Abdulaziz M. Alwasil, warned that the escalation posed risks to Yemen, regional security, international trade and global supply chains. Bahrain’s representative, Jamal Fares Alrowaei, also raised concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen and called for stronger international attention.
China’s representative, Sun Lei, expressed concern over the deteriorating situation and stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen and Saudi Arabia, while emphasizing the shared international responsibility to protect commercial shipping.
Pakistan also raised concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ahmad said instability around both strategic maritime chokepoints could have consequences extending well beyond the regions directly affected. Pakistan has previously warned that disruptions in Hormuz could affect global energy supplies, international trade and food security.
Ahmad also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts following the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the United States. Pakistan facilitated talks that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed in June, although subsequent developments have created challenges for its implementation.
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