NEW YORK, 18 September, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Pakistan has called for immediate de-escalation of tensions in key maritime routes, stressing the need to ensure the safety of commercial shipping and restore normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-Al-Mandab. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council Arria Formula meeting on “Safe Seas, Shared Security: Protecting Freedom of Navigation in an Evolving Security Environment,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said maritime security had become increasingly complex due to geopolitical competition, piracy, terrorism, human trafficking and climate-related risks. He expressed deep concern over disruptions and attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, noting their serious implications for regional stability, energy prices and global food security. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad also strongly condemned attacks by the Houthi militia on merchant vessels and seafarers in the Bab-Al-Mandab Strait, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity of Saudi Arabia. He stressed that global shipping should not become a casualty of conflict and should instead continue to serve as a driver of international trade and economic growth. The ambassador further highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate de-escalation between Iran and the United States and said Islamabad would continue working with peace-loving nations to promote maritime peace and security, protect commercial shipping and contribute to a negotiated settlement of outstanding issues.