Pakistan warns Hormuz blockade threatens regional stability, global economy
Envoy Asim Iftikhar addresses UN Security Council: Says recent US-Iran talks reflected Pakistan’s peace efforts: Raises concerns over Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon
Pakistan has warned that any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is affecting the economies of countries around the world, including Pakistan, as it called for urgent steps to restore stability in the Middle East, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.
Speaking at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan’s envoy Asim Iftikhar said recent talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad were evidence of Pakistan’s commitment to peace.
He said the situation in the Middle East remained grave and unstable, adding that the central cause of unrest in the region was the unresolved Palestine issue.
The Pakistani envoy said that despite a ceasefire in Gaza, more than 800 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli attacks. He called for the second phase of the Gaza peace plan to be completed without delay.
Pakistani envoy Asim Iftikhar also expressed concern over settler violence in the West Bank and the expansion of illegal settlements.
Asim Iftikhar urged an immediate end to incursions at Al-Aqsa Mosque and what he described as violations of sacred places.
He said the end of Israeli occupation and the establishment of a two-state solution remained the only path to lasting peace in the region.
Turning to Lebanon, he said more than 2,000 civilians had been killed or injured in Israeli military actions there.