Pakistan urges diplomacy, maritime cooperation amid Hormuz crisis

Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, warned on Monday that disruptions to global maritime routes—particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—pose a serious threat to international peace, economic stability, and developing nations. Speaking at a high-level UN Security Council debate on maritime security, Ahmad said that safeguarding sea lanes is essential not only for trade but also for broader development and security goals. “Global maritime spaces are a key geostrategic arena where the challenges of the 21st century intersect. They are the lifeline of global commerce,” he stated.

Economic cascading effects

Ahmad pointed to the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz as a clear example of how maritime instability can cascade into global crises. “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. He warned that initial shocks—rising costs for oil, gas, and fertilizers—could deepen into wider economic problems, including inflation, slowed growth, and balance-of-payments pressures, particularly for developing countries. About 20% of global oil supply passes through the strait daily, and its closure has already driven up energy prices and insurance costs.

Diplomatic efforts

Reaffirming Pakistan’s diplomatic approach, Ahmad highlighted efforts to ease tensions between regional and global powers, including the US and Iran. He said Pakistan, alongside partners such as China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, is actively working toward de-escalation. “In its ongoing efforts to facilitate an enduring resolution of this crisis, Pakistan remains firm in its faith in diplomacy and dialogue, and will continue to resolutely undertake all possible measures towards that end,” he added. Iran and the US held talks in Islamabad on April 11 but failed to reach an agreement. Those talks followed a two-week Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8, later extended by President Trump. Trump cancelled a planned trip to Pakistan by special envoys, but efforts for another round continue.