Pakistan’s foreign minister stresses uninterrupted energy supplies and safe passage of ships amid regional tensions affecting key maritime routes.
ISLAMABAD – WEB DESK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke by telephone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday as regional tensions continued to raise concerns over energy supplies and commercial shipping.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two ministers discussed the latest regional developments. Dar stressed the importance of uninterrupted energy supplies and the safe and expeditious passage of ships, particularly because disruptions could affect developing countries and global supply chains.
Dar stresses energy security and maritime safety
During the conversation, Dar highlighted the need to keep energy supplies uninterrupted and ensure safe passage for commercial vessels.
The Foreign Office said these issues were particularly important because of their potential impact on developing economies and international supply chains.
Dar also reiterated Pakistan’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means of ensuring peace and stability in the region.
The statement did not disclose specific details of Araghchi’s response during the telephone conversation.
Pakistan and Iran agree to maintain cooperation
The two foreign ministers agreed to maintain close cooperation, according to the Foreign Office.
They also agreed to meet in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, which is scheduled to bring world leaders and senior officials together for diplomatic discussions.
The planned meeting provides an additional channel for Islamabad and Tehran to discuss regional developments and bilateral concerns.
Maritime routes under growing pressure
The phone call came as Pakistan expressed concern over disruptions affecting important maritime routes in the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for global energy shipments, while the Bab al-Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is important for international commercial shipping.
Pakistan has repeatedly linked maritime security with energy security, food security and the stability of global supply chains. Its Foreign Office said earlier this week that continuing regional escalation was having implications for maritime navigation and global energy supplies.
Pakistan calls for safe commercial shipping
Hours before Dar’s conversation with Araghchi, Pakistan called on Yemen’s Houthi movement to stop attacks on merchant vessels and seafarers in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, raised the issue during a UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting.
He stressed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial shipping.
Pakistan said disruptions affecting merchant vessels and the Strait of Hormuz could have consequences extending beyond the immediate conflict zones, particularly for energy and food security.
Diplomacy remains Pakistan’s stated position
Islamabad has continued to call for diplomatic engagement as regional tensions intensify.
In a recent Foreign Office briefing, Pakistan said it remained concerned about the escalation and its implications for regional peace, maritime navigation and global energy supplies. The government said it continued to advocate dialogue and diplomacy as the sustainable means of resolving differences.
Dar’s latest conversation with Araghchi is therefore part of Pakistan’s continuing diplomatic engagement with regional countries.
