Pakistan characterises the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz as a threat to international peace and emerging nations.

Pakistan has asserted that disruptions in global maritime routes, especially the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, might significantly jeopardise international peace, economic stability, and the welfare of developing nations.

In light of escalating apprehensions regarding risks to shipping and freedom of passage in international waters, Pakistan has advocated for diplomacy and maritime collaboration to address the Strait of Hormuz problem, highlighting its commitment to promoting regional peace and stability.”Disruptions to routine maritime traffic severely affect international trade, resulting in adverse consequences for the global economy and fostering volatility that threatens international peace and security,” stated Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council meeting on Monday.

During a high-level debate on maritime security convened by Bahrain, which presides over the 15-member Council in April, he referenced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its subsequent impacts on food and energy security, as well as supply chain disruptions, as a pertinent example.

Asim Iftikhar stated that if the crisis continued, developing nations would be the most adversely impacted. The initial order affects matters concerning the procurement of oil, gas, and important commodities like fertilisers, as well as their pricing patterns, which will progressively result in secondary and tertiary effects on inflation, economic growth, current account, and balance of payments concerns.These developments have underscored that the durability of global governance structures and strategic stability are currently being challenged by the security and accessibility of maritime routes,” he stated.As a coastal nation in the Indian Ocean Region, adjacent to critical maritime chokepoints and heavily dependent on maritime trade, Pakistan recognises the vital significance of safeguarding global waterways.

Pakistan, akin to other developing nations in the region and abroad, is apprehensive and immediately affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar stated that Pakistan, with the backing of China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, has led diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalation and the overarching quest for stability between the United States and Iran, highlighting Pakistan’s mediatory role in fostering a peaceful resolution to the US-Israel conflict concerning Iran.Pakistan steadfastly believes in diplomacy and discussion as it strives for a lasting settlement to this situation, and will persistently implement all feasible steps to achieve this objective.

Asim Iftikhar advocated for the safeguarding and promotion of the legal framework created by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a crucial pillar of international maritime order.

Earlier this year, Pakistan took command of Combined Task Force 150 to execute maritime security operations beyond the Arabian Gulf to safeguard commercial ships.

Last year, Pakistan also led CTF-151, which was assigned to combat piracy and facilitate the unobstructed movement of maritime trade.He stated, “We have initiated our own Regional Maritime Security Patrols to guarantee a safe and secure maritime environment.”

As a maritime nation committed to “unwavering faith in international law and diplomacy,” Pakistan will persist in its engagement with the Security Council and allied nations to safeguard its hard-earned achievements in enhancing global governance — “both in the tranquil currents of peace and friendship and in the tumultuous upheavals of conflict and destruction.”This is a sacred trust that history has placed upon us, and we cannot afford to fail,” the Pakistani envoy said.