ISLAMABAD — UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan on Friday called for an immediate end to military provocations in the Gulf and renewed regional diplomacy as the United States, Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries exchanged sharply conflicting accusations at a UN Security Council meeting on attacks against shipping and threats to maritime security. The debate highlighted growing concerns that the confrontation could disrupt international trade, energy supplies and food shipments while increasing the risk of a wider regional conflict.
Addressing the Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah , condemned attacks against Gulf countries and called for respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity, protection of civilians and commercial shipping, and restoration of normal maritime traffic. He specifically condemned Houthi militia attacks and threats against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and vessels engaged in lawful trade. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandab Strait, Ambassador Shah warned that threats to maritime navigation endangered seafarers, disrupted international commerce and worsened energy and food insecurity, particularly in vulnerable economies. He called for the protection of commercial vessels and their crews, respect for freedom of navigation and safe, unimpeded delivery of humanitarian supplies. Lasting peace, he said, required addressing the underlying causes of regional conflicts through a framework based on common security, peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity.