Houthi Attacks Pose Serious Threats to Maritime Security, Regional Peace, and Global Energy Supply, Declares Pakistan’s UN Envoy Asim Iftikhar
NEW YORK: During the United Nations (UN) Security Council Arria-formula meeting, Pakistan has strongly denounced the Houthis’ actions that had disrupted commercial shipping vessels and urged de-escalation of the situation and return of peace and tranquility to the sea.
In this regard, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, reiterated Islamabad’s firm and unwavering backing of Saudi Arabia, recalling that the security of sea lanes is critical for global peace and stability.
How to Identify, Assess, and Respond to Threats and Attacks to Global Food and Energy Security, Bab-el-Mandeb.
Recent attacks near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and the blockages in the Strait of Hormuz have shown the depth of the crisis, Asim Iftikhar said. He referred to the current sea turmoil as having far-reaching implications for international peace, global energy security and food supplies.
Ambassador Iftikhar noted that these Houthis’ attacks constitute a serious threat to maritime security, peace and development in the region, as well as a provocation of grave danger to the stability in the region.
Safeguards of commercial shipping and diplomatic resolution.
The Pakistani envoy stated that the Strait of Hormuz is an irreplaceable corridor of international shipping, expressing the country’s concern about its disruption. Ongoing blockades and attacks could significantly affect energy supply routes and fertilizer imports, he warned.
Iftikhar pointed out that Pakistan has always shown its commitment to diplomatic leadership to ensure regional stability and that the world’s shipping routes should never be used as pawns in geopolitical games. He reiterated that Pakistan will pursue its diplomatic initiatives to promote peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue and engage with international partners to ensure unhindered and safe passage of merchant ships.