Pakistan urges end to attacks on Gulf states, calls for regional de-escalation

Pakistani envoy says region’s critical waterways sustain international commerce, carry essential supplies of energy

Pakistan has called for an end to military provocations and attacks in the Gulf region, urging the protection of civilians and commercial shipping and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions amid heightened regional tensions.

Addressing a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in the Gulf on Friday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, said threats to maritime navigation and heightened tensions in the region were a matter of serious concern.

He welcomed the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council to the meeting and thanked him for his briefing, saying his remarks highlighted the troubling implications of the escalation for the security of Gulf countries and stability across the wider region. He also thanked Assistant Secretary-General Khalid Khiari for his insights.

Shah said the region’s critical waterways sustained international commerce and carried essential supplies of energy and other commodities.

He said Pakistan valued its fraternal relations with Gulf countries, which were bound by faith, history and deep-rooted people-to-people ties, adding that their security and prosperity were of immense importance to Pakistan.

Statement by Ambassador Syed Haider Shah,
Permanent Representative of Pakistan,
At UN Security Council Meeting on the “Situation in the Gulf and its implications for international peace and security, in light of heightened tensions and threats to maritime security”
(13 November… pic.twitter.com/n9tBYFJBSB

— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) November 14, 2026

Emphasising the need to uphold the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of all regional states, Shah said Pakistan unequivocally condemned all attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and stood in full solidarity with their governments and peoples.

He also appreciated their support for dialogue, diplomatic engagement and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The Pakistani envoy said attacks against civilian objects, including airports, energy installations and other civilian infrastructure, were unacceptable.

“Pakistan condemns, in the strongest terms, the Houthi militia’s attacks and threats against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including its civilian infrastructure and vessels engaged in lawful trade with the Kingdom,” he said.

He said these actions endangered regional peace, undermined navigational freedoms and disrupted international commerce.

Shah reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Saudi government and people and its support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity.

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On maritime security, he said disruptions to commercial shipping and attacks on merchant vessels in Bab al-Mandab and the Strait of Hormuz had highlighted the serious implications of maritime crises for the continent and countries.

“These actions endanger seafarers, undermine navigational freedoms and jeopardize regional stability. The attacks and threats must end,” he said.

He warned that volatility at the maritime chokepoints had not only threatened peace and stability but had also driven up energy prices and heightened fears of global food insecurity, disproportionately affecting vulnerable economies.

He called for respect for navigational rights and freedoms, protection of commercial shipping and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian supplies to those in need.

Shah said the Strait of Hormuz was a critical maritime trade route for the transit of one-third of globally traded crude oil and a significant share of global fertiliser trade. He added that its geostrategic location also made it vital for regional security and stability.

Pakistan supported the restoration of normal passage, protection of vessels and crews, and safe and unimpeded commercial navigation, he said.

The ambassador said lasting peace and security required addressing the root causes and drivers of conflict and instability in the region. He called for efforts to establish a regional framework based on common security, peaceful coexistence, mutual prosperity and development.

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He also stressed that dialogue and diplomacy must guide the way forward, saying Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts reflected its belief that lasting stability required respect for sovereignty, civilian protection and negotiated solutions.

“All attacks must stop; communication channels should remain open; and regional initiatives and the Secretary-General’s good offices must receive sustained international support,” he said, adding that Pakistan remained committed to continuing its efforts towards that end.

Shah said the Security Council must unite to demand an end to military provocations and unlawful attacks, protect civilians and commercial shipping, and advance peaceful solutions.

He said Pakistan would continue working with its brotherly and friendly countries and international partners to promote de-escalation, maritime security and lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.