International Representative from Pakistan Advocates for Safe Navigation in the Red Sea, Attributing Recent Incidents to Houthis at the United Nations
Pakistan, a key player in the maritime domain, has expressed its concern over the escalating maritime insecurity in the Red Sea, particularly the attacks by the Houthi rebel group based in Yemen. These attacks, which have been ongoing since November 2023, have targeted vessels of various nations, causing significant disruption to global shipping routes.
During a UN Security Council open debate on 'Maritime Security' on Monday, Pakistan's United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed condemned the recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. Ahmed called for the protection of navigation routes and greater maritime cooperation worldwide. He emphasised that oceans must remain zones of peace, prosperity, and inclusive development.
Ahmed also condemned attempts to dominate maritime spaces or marginalize coastal states, labeling them as "counterproductive." Pakistan, positioned at the junction of vital sea lanes, is uniquely suited to serve as a premier trans-shipment hub. The country participates in Combined Maritime Forces Task Forces 150 and 151, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining a secure and peaceful maritime environment.
The Houthi rebel group, primarily accused of supplying weapons and causing maritime insecurity, has been reported to be supplied and supported by Iran. This sustained campaign has caused over 176 vessels to be attacked by May 2025, resulting in significant casualties and hostage-taking among crews. The attacks have also led to the diversion of thousands of ships around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, raising global shipping costs.
Human Rights Watch has classified these attacks on civilian commercial vessels by the Houthis as apparent war crimes, noting that many targeted ships had no connection to Israel and were not military targets. This underscores the indiscriminate nature of these attacks.
Islamabad hosts the multinational Exercise AMAN in Karachi, one of the largest naval gatherings in the region. The 9th edition of AMAN, held in February this year, brought together over 60 navies from across the world, demonstrating Pakistan's readiness to work with all countries to safeguard the maritime domain, uphold international law, and ensure oceans remain open, peaceful, and shared for all humankind.
Pakistan also emphasizes the need to develop these technologies responsibly, with equitable access and safeguards. The country is concerned about emerging technologies in maritime security, specifically cyber weaponization and inequality risks.
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Associated Press [3] BBC News [4] Al Jazeera [5] Human Rights Watch
- The world has been closely following the escalating maritime insecurity in the Red Sea, particularly the attacks by the Houthi rebel group based in Yemen on vessels of various nations.
- During a recent UN Security Council open debate on 'Maritime Security', Pakistan's United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed called for the protection of navigation routes and greater cooperation in art and culture, as well as politics, to maintain peaceful oceans.
- In an alarming turn of events, Human Rights Watch has classified the attacks on civilian commercial vessels by the Houthis as apparent war crimes, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of these acts.
- As a responsible global citizen, Pakistan, positioned at the junction of vital sea lanes, has been participating in the Combined Maritime Forces Task Forces 150 and 151, working tirelessly to maintain a secure and peaceful maritime environment, promoting general news of peace, prosperity, and inclusive development.
