Lahore, Pakistan – Web Desk: The ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States over the Strait of Hormuz has brought into sharp focus the critical role that maritime chokepoints play in the global economy, with approximately 80 to 90 percent of the world’s trade transported by sea, according to UN data .
The value of this maritime trade has reached $2.5 trillion, as shipping remains the most cost-effective method of transporting heavy cargo, including oil and grain .
The Three Critical Chokepoints
Strait of Hormuz, located between the Gulf and the Arabian Sea, is the most critical passage, with nearly 30 percent of the world’s oil passing through it .
Malacca Strait, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, handles approximately 25 percent of global maritime trade .
Suez Canal, the human-made waterway in Egypt linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, remains a vital artery connecting the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea to Europe and the Atlantic .
Pakistan’s Growing Maritime Significance
Pakistan’s strategic location at the crossroads of these key maritime routes has significantly enhanced the importance of its ports, including Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar, which are increasingly recognized as vital nodes in the global maritime supply chain .
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the strategic Gwadar Port have further elevated Pakistan’s position in regional and global trade networks, offering alternative routes that could become even more critical in the event of disruptions elsewhere .
