'Arteries of global economy': At UNGA, PM Shehbaz says Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab must remain open
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab were “arteries of the global economy” that must remain open and condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The premier is currently addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
“The pursuit of peace is among the noblest of human endeavours,” the premier began his speech by saying, adding that Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s declaration of support for the UN Charter had shaped Pakistan’s national ethos and “guided our conduct at home and abroad”.
He addressed the conflict in the Gulf region and wider Middle East, highlighting the loss of lives, economic suffering and pressure faced by critical maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.
“At this critical moment, Pakistan chose to act swiftly. Through concerted efforts, Pakistan brought Washington and Tehran under one roof in Islamabad,” PM Shehbaz said, referring to the Islamabad Talks that resulted in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding by the United States and Iran in June.
In this regard, he appreciated Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose “relentless efforts helped create space for diplomacy under exceptionally difficult and challenging circumstances”. He also extended his appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for his role in the process.
“Amid the roar of missiles, drones and guns, the voice for diplomacy must echo even louder and stronger,” the premier stated.
“The Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab are arteries of the global economy. They must remain open, connecting nations, not becoming choke points of confrontation.”
He also condemned, “in the strongest possible terms”, the recent attacks by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, calling them “deplorable”. He expressed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
He also highlighted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia as a reflection of Pakistan’s commitment to peace.
“This alliance is not directed against any country; it is a collective commitment for defence, stability and peace in the region, and nothing more,” he stressed.
PM Shehbaz also addressed last year’s conflict with India, which was driven by a terror attack in Pahalgam that New Delhi blamed on Islamabad, which denied the allegations.
“Our brave and valiant armed forces, under the courageous leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, responded with precision and professionalism,” he said.
He once again praised US President Donald Trump’s “resolute and visionary leadership” in brokering a ceasefire between the two countries in May 2025, stressing that “hundreds of millions of lives in South Asia were saved”.
“Who knows the extent of devastation that could have taken place had President Trump not stepped in at this critical moment with clarity of thought and action,” he said.
“We must therefore ensure that South Asia never reaches this precipice ever again, but this requires a just and fair solution of the Kashmir dispute.”
More to follow
