Pakistan urges UN action to secure Gulf waterways

UNITED NATIONS:

Warning of severe economic fallout for vulnerable nations, Pakistan has called on the UN Security Council to end all military provocations in the Gulf and safeguard commercial navigation through the region’s vital waterways. “Disruption of commercial shipping and attacks on merchant vessels both in Bab-Al-Mandab and the Strait of Hormuz have underscored that crises at sea have grave implications for the continent and countries,”

Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the 15-member Council. Bahrain convened the Council meeting to discuss escalating tensions in the Gulf region and growing threats to maritime security. The Pakistani envoy warned that volatility in these waterways has driven up energy prices and heightened the risk of global food insecurity, disproportionately hurting developing economies. He stressed that commercial shipping must be protected and humanitarian supplies allowed to reach those in need.

“The Council must unite to demand an end to all military provocations and unlawful attacks, protect civilians and commercial shipping, and advance peaceful solutions,” the Pakistani envoy stressed. In this regard, Ambassador Haider Shah called for addressing the root causes and drivers of conflict and instability in the region to promote lasting peace and security. “Ways must be found for building a regional framework of common security, peaceful co-existence and mutual prosperity and development.” The Pakistani envoy advocated dialogue and diplomacy for the way forward, noting Islamabad’s own diplomatic endeavours reflect the country’s conviction that lasting stability requires respect for sovereignty, civilian protection and negotiated solutions.

“All attacks must stop; communication channels should remain open; and regional initiatives and the (UN) Secretary-General’s good offices must receive sustained international support,” Ambassador Haider Shah said. Pakistan, he added, remains committed to continuing its own resolute efforts towards that end.