ISLAMABAD: Pakistan called for the immediate restoration of civilian passage through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that continued military escalation will drive economic hardship far beyond the Middle East, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said Thursday.
The ambassador delivered the statement at a UN General Assembly Veto Debate on the Strait of Hormuz.
"The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is adversely impacting countries around the world, including Pakistan," he said. The ambassador warned that consequences for the regional and global economy were "evidently harsh."
Asim Iftikhar stated that the disruption extended beyond energy flows to fertilizers and other essential commodities. These directly affected food security, the cost of living, and the livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations.
The ambassador stated that “the IMF has warned of serious risks and raised alarms about rising public debt” as governments respond to the energy crisis. He also cited that the New York Times carried the warning on its front page the same day. A separate headline in the same publication reported the stock market reaching a new peak, reflecting expectations that peace was near.
Asim Iftilhar stated that Pakistan hosted talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, “the product of direct engagement with the parties involved” and outreach aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire.
The ambassador said Pakistan has maintained sustained interaction at the leadership level with both Washington and Tehran, as well as with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, China, and other regional partners. “Islamabad has sought to facilitate the exchange of messages and help create conditions conducive to meaningful negotiations,” he stated.
The ambassador said Pakistan supports the “sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and security of all countries” in the region. He mentioned that Islamabad stands in "complete solidarity" with GCC states during the crisis.
Asim Iftikhar called for the security of ships and crew members and the swift, safe passage of civilian vessels through the Strait. He stated that any arrangement related to Hormuz must account for the legitimate interests of GCC countries in accordance with international law.
"If the military escalation and disruptions persist, the suffering will prolong and extend far beyond the region," Ahmad said. "Return to peace, on the other hand, will benefit all."
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