New york: Pakistan has warned UN maritime disruptions threaten trade, energy and global stability

Pakistan told the UN Security Council that disruptions to maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, threaten trade, energy security and economic stability. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said developing countries would be hit hardest if the crisis persists.

Pakistan told the United Nations Security Council that growing threats to maritime routes are endangering global trade, energy supplies and wider economic stability, while stressing that the safety of waterways is central to international peace and development.

Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, presented the country's position during the High-Level Open Debate on The Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain.

At the outset, Ahmad congratulated Bahrain on its presidency of the Security Council and for convening the debate. He said the participation of the Bahraini leadership reflected the importance attached to maritime security, which he described as vital for both peace and development.

Allow me to take this opportunity to express Pakistan's complete support and solidarity with all brotherly countries of the Gulf region and to their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence," he said, expressing Pakistan's support for Gulf countries.

The envoy thanked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his remarks, particularly his emphasis on international law, dialogue, cooperation and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He also acknowledged briefings by International Maritime Organisation Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and maritime expert Nick Childs.

Ahmad said maritime spaces had become a major geostrategic arena in the 21st century, describing them as essential to commerce, the environment and marine resources. He told the council that international trade had become more dependent than ever on sea-borne transport due to economic globalisation and advances in transport and connectivity.

He warned that any interruption in normal maritime traffic could seriously affect global commerce, harm the world economy and create instability with implications for international peace and security. "Closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its cascading effects on food and energy security, and supply-chain disruption is a case in point," he said.