Muhammad Amanullah
Date: September 19, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —Pakistan has strongly condemned Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and called for an immediate halt to such operations, warning that growing tensions along key maritime routes could threaten regional peace and security while also affecting global trade, energy prices and supply chains.
The demand came as the United Nations Security Council again discussed the deteriorating situation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea. The meeting was held at the request of Bahrain, following another briefing to the council two days earlier on the rising tensions in the region.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the meeting that the situation in and around Bab al-Mandab was becoming increasingly tense and unpredictable.
Pakistan Calls for Immediate Halt to Houthi Operations
Speaking before the Security Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, urged the Houthi militia to immediately stop provocative operations against commercial shipping.
He warned that such attacks could have serious consequences for maritime security, regional peace and stability. According to the Pakistani envoy, disruptions to maritime routes do not remain confined to the affected region but can create consequences across the global economy.
Pakistan’s position reflects growing concern over the security of commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the wider impact of attacks on important international trade routes.
Solidarity with Saudi Arabia
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad also described Houthi operations as a threat to Saudi Arabia and reiterated Pakistan’s support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity.
He said Pakistan stood in full solidarity with the Saudi leadership, government and people. The Pakistani representative expressed concern over attacks targeting Saudi territory and called for steps to reduce tensions and promote peace in the region.
Saudi representatives have previously warned that attacks linked to the Houthis could affect not only Yemen and neighbouring countries but also international trade and global supply chains.
Bab al-Mandab and Strait of Hormuz
The Pakistani envoy said the difficulties facing commercial shipping in both the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz demonstrated how maritime disputes could affect areas far beyond the immediate conflict zone.
He warned that uncertainty along major shipping routes could create problems for global trade, energy security and food security. Disruptions to maritime transport could increase energy prices and intensify concerns about food insecurity in different parts of the world.
The two waterways are among the most important maritime routes for international commerce. Any prolonged disruption can force ships to take longer routes, increase transportation costs and place additional pressure on global supply chains.
Impact on Global Trade
Referring to the importance of the Strait of Hormuz, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said a significant share of the crude oil traded around the world passes through the waterway. He also highlighted its importance for the international fertiliser trade.
He said Pakistan remained deeply concerned about threats to commercial vessels and interruptions to maritime movement in both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.
The remarks came amid wider international concerns that instability in strategic waterways could affect the movement of energy supplies and essential goods.
Pakistan Highlights Diplomatic Efforts
The Pakistani representative also linked Islamabad’s position on maritime security to its diplomatic efforts during recent tensions between Iran and the United States.
He said Pakistan, with the support of friendly countries and partners, had pursued diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting broader regional stability. According to him, those efforts contributed to an agreement on a ceasefire and an Islamabad memorandum of understanding.
Pakistan has repeatedly maintained that outstanding regional disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than military escalation.
Concern Over the Situation in Yemen
Bahrain’s representative, Jamal Fares Al-Ruwaiei, condemned Houthi operations and warned that the rising tensions posed a threat to regional and international security.
He also drew attention to Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, saying that the displacement of civilians was making the situation more complicated. He called on the Security Council to adopt a more decisive position on the issue.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains closely linked to the wider security crisis. Continued attacks, military operations and restrictions on movement have increased pressure on civilians already facing serious economic and humanitarian difficulties.
Saudi Arabia and China Express Concern
Saudi Arabia’s representative, Abdulaziz M. Al-Wasil, warned that the Houthis’ expanding operations posed risks to Yemen, regional security, international trade and global supply chains.
He referred to attacks targeting Saudi areas including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, stressing that such operations could further destabilise the region.
China’s representative, Sun Lei, expressed concern over the rapidly escalating situation and called for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
He opposed attacks on energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, saying that safe navigation in the Red Sea was a shared responsibility of the international community. He also stressed the need to respect the rights of commercial vessels.
Pakistan Urges Negotiations
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said Pakistan would continue supporting efforts to resolve all outstanding issues through negotiations in order to restore normal conditions on land and at sea as soon as possible.
He said Pakistan wanted to work with countries in the region and other peace-oriented states to strengthen maritime peace and security, protect commercial routes and ensure the safe movement of vessels.
The Pakistani position comes as international attention remains focused on the security of the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and the Strait of Hormuz. Any further escalation in these areas could have consequences for regional stability as well as global trade, energy markets and international supply chains.
