Pakistan has urged Yemen’s Houthi group to immediately stop attacks on merchant ships and seafarers in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, strongly condemning what it described as attempts to weaponise the vital maritime passage.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, made the remarks while speaking at a UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting.
He stressed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping, warning that disruptions to major maritime routes could have far-reaching consequences for global peace, energy security and food supplies.
Pakistan condemns attacks on merchant shipping
Ambassador Ahmad said Pakistan “strongly condemns” what he described as the Houthi militia’s efforts to weaponise Bab al-Mandab by attacking merchant vessels and seafarers travelling through the strait.
He reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and said the Houthi attacks seriously undermined maritime security while threatening peace and development in countries across the region.
The ambassador warned that continued provocative actions could have serious consequences for maritime security as well as regional peace and stability.
The Houthis have recently expanded their military activities along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea, alongside attacks on sites inside Saudi Arabia.
Peacekeeping needs both political backing and a political strategy. The Council must provide clear direction, sustained political support and adequate resources. Host-State consent must also translate into practical cooperation, including freedom of movement, access and support… pic.twitter.com/I03Gt9ZsUa
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) September 18, 2026
Call for de-escalation in Strait of Hormuz
Addressing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Ambassador Ahmad said Pakistan was deeply concerned about disruptions and attacks affecting commercial shipping.
He called for an immediate reduction in tensions, protection of ships and their crews, and the restoration of normal maritime passage through the strategically important waterway.
The ambassador described the Strait of Hormuz as a critical route for international maritime trade, warning that prolonged disruption could have significant implications for global energy and fertiliser supplies.
Pakistan condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, vows efforts for regional peace
Pakistan, he said, attaches “paramount importance” to maritime safety and security as a littoral state of the Indian Ocean and a party to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“Global shipping should not become a casualty of conflict and strife,” Ahmad said, stressing that maritime routes should instead continue supporting international trade and economic activity.
Pakistan stresses diplomatic efforts
The Pakistani envoy also highlighted Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts following the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the United States on February 28.
He said Pakistan had worked to promote de-escalation and regional stability, efforts that culminated in a ceasefire and the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Ahmad reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to diplomatic engagement and negotiated solutions to outstanding disputes.
He said Islamabad would continue working with countries in the region and beyond to promote maritime peace and security, restore normal shipping routes and ensure the safety of commercial and merchant vessels.
