Global maritime security and rising risks to key sea lanes dominated a UN Security Council debate, where Pakistan warned that disruptions to waterways are increasingly threatening global trade, energy flows and economic stability.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, expressed the country’s stance while addressing the High-Level Open Debate on “The Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain”.

Ahmad also underscored the strategic importance of maritime security for international peace and development. 

“I wish to congratulate the Kingdom of Bahrain for its successful Presidency this month and for organising today’s high-level open debate. Your presence attests to the importance attached by the Kingdom to global maritime security, which is crucial for the two objectives of international peace and security, and development,” he said, addressing the UN forum.

“Allow me to take this opportunity to express Pakistan’s complete support and solidarity with all brotherly countries of the Gulf region and to their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence,” he asserted.