New York (Web Desk): Amid mounting concerns over threats to shipping and freedom of navigation in global waterways, Pakistan has stressed the need for dialogue and joint maritime efforts to defuse tensions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, pointing to its own role in encouraging peace and stability in the region.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Pakistan’s permanent representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad warned that any interruption to normal maritime movement carries serious consequences for global commerce, with ripple effects that can unsettle economies and threaten international peace.
“Any disruptions to the routine traffic at sea gravely impact international trade with negative repercussions for global economy, and breed volatility that imperils international peace and security,” he said.
During a high-level session on maritime security convened by Bahrain, he pointed to the possible shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz as a clear example of how such crises can trigger far-reaching impacts, including challenges to food and energy supplies and breakdowns in supply chains.
Opening the discussion, Antonio Guterres urged countries limiting vessel movement through the Strait to ease restrictions and “let the global economy breathe.”
Highlighting the scale of the disruption, he remarked, “The economic shock has been immediate,” and added that shipping interruptions have driven up transportation and insurance costs “in the worst supply chain disruption since COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine”.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmad cautioned that if tensions persist, developing nations will face the harshest consequences. He explained that initial impacts—such as difficulties in securing oil, gas, and key goods like fertilizers, along with rising prices—would soon evolve into broader economic pressures affecting inflation, growth, and external financial balances.
“Most significantly, these developments have brought home the point that resilience of global governance architecture and strategic stability are now being tested by the safety and openness of maritime waterways,” he said.
Describing Pakistan as a coastal state within the Indian Ocean Region and heavily reliant on sea-based trade routes, he noted that the country fully understands how critical it is to keep global waterways secure and accessible.
Echoing concerns shared by many developing nations, he said Pakistan is directly affected by any closure of the Strait of Hormuz and is closely watching the situation.
He further stated that Pakistan, together with China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, has taken a leading role in diplomatic outreach aimed at lowering tensions and promoting stability between the United States (US) and Iran, referring to Pakistan’s involvement in encouraging a peaceful outcome to the conflict involving the US and Israel with Iran.
“In its ongoing efforts to facilitate an enduring resolution of this crisis, Pakistan remains firm in its faith in diplomacy and dialogue, and will continue to resolutely undertake all possible measures towards that end.”
He also underlined the need to uphold and strengthen the legal framework governing the seas, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, describing it as a key foundation of the global maritime system.
Highlighting Pakistan’s contributions to maritime safety, he noted that the country recently took command of Combined Task Force 150, responsible for safeguarding shipping beyond the Arabian Gulf. He added that Pakistan had earlier led Combined Task Force 151, which focuses on countering piracy and ensuring uninterrupted maritime trade.
Asim Iftikhar also mentioned that Pakistan has initiated its own Regional Maritime Security Patrols to maintain safe conditions at sea.
“We have also launched our own Regional Maritime Security Patrols to ensure a safe and secure environment in the seas,” he said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s identity as a maritime nation committed to international law and peaceful engagement, the envoy said the country will keep working with the UNSC and like-minded partners to protect progress made in global governance, both during calm periods and in times of rising conflict.
“This is a sacred trust that history has placed upon us, and we cannot afford to fail,” he concluded.