Pakistan urges end to attacks in Gulf at UN Security Council
Pakistan's UN envoy condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and called for safe shipping through key Gulf and Red Sea routes.
Pakistan demanded that hostilities in the Gulf halt at once and that unlawful strikes stop, at a UN Security Council debate on Saturday, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Haider Shah made the case while addressing the council's session on tensions in the Gulf and threats to maritime security.
Shah urged all states to respect one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and he asked that civilians and commercial ships be protected.
He voiced grave worry about rising tensions and what they mean for the security of Gulf countries and the wider region.
Shah said Pakistan's ties with Gulf states are deeply rooted, adding that their security and prosperity matter greatly to Islamabad.
He condemned attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council countries and said Pakistan stands fully with their governments and peoples.
He strongly condemned Houthi attacks and threats against Saudi Arabia, including its civilian infrastructure and vessels engaged in lawful trade, and reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the kingdom's sovereignty and security.
Shah also said that strikes on civilian sites, including airports and energy facilities, were unacceptable.
He warned that threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb endanger seafarers, disrupt global trade and deepen energy and food insecurity for vulnerable economies.
He called for respect for freedom of navigation, protection of crews and cargo ships, a return to normal passage, and safe, unimpeded delivery of humanitarian supplies.
Shah proposed a regional framework built on common security, peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity.
"Dialogue and diplomacy must guide the way forward," Shah said.
He urged all parties to end attacks, keep lines of communication open and support regional initiatives and the good offices of the UN Secretary-General.
Pakistan is committed to working with brotherly and friendly countries and international partners to promote de-escalation and lasting peace in the region and beyond, Shah said.
The Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are narrow sea passages that carry large volumes of oil, gas and other cargo between Asia, Europe and the Middle East, which is why disruption there affects markets far beyond the Gulf.
