Pakistan expressed strong support on Thursday for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global energy and trade, as escalating regional tensions continue to threaten maritime security and disrupt oil supplies.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized the strait’s significance as a vital transit route for goods worldwide, affirming Pakistan’s agreement with calls for its prompt reopening.
This declaration comes amid rising friction in the Gulf region, primarily due to the ongoing standoff between the United States and Iran, which has caused interruptions in shipping lanes and contributed to surging global oil prices.
Andrabi noted that Pakistan remains actively engaged with all relevant parties involved in the Iran-US negotiations. He highlighted that diplomatic efforts initiated following Islamabad’s call for a ceasefire are still underway.
“The negotiations have not ceased; they continue. We maintain contact with the involved parties, and both new and previous proposals are still being considered,” he stated, adding that Pakistan would withhold specific details out of respect for the trust placed in it by the negotiating sides.
He expressed hope for meaningful progress toward peace and stability in the region.
Clarifying earlier comments regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Andrabi explained that his remarks were made in a general context and were not intended to address the bilateral accusations exchanged between the US and Iran.
In a significant development, Andrabi strongly condemned India’s recent decision to establish new districts in the illegally occupied region of Ladakh, describing it as a violation of the disputed status of the territory.
“Any attempt by India to alter the status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir or Ladakh is firmly condemned,” he asserted.
Regarding Afghanistan, the spokesperson stressed that the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan should not be perceived as routine. He underscored that it is directly linked to preventing the use of Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan.
Andrabi also provided updates on Pakistani nationals stranded abroad, reporting that approximately 84 citizens remain stuck in Cambodia, including 76 men and eight women. Pakistan’s mission in Phnom Penh is actively liaising with local authorities to ensure their well-being.
He added that most of these individuals had entered Cambodia on tourist visas and were reportedly involved in illegal employment or activities related to online fraud.
Furthermore, Andrabi disclosed that 11 Pakistani nationals are currently held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia following an incident on April 21 involving a tanker anchored in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region.
Pakistan is maintaining contact with Somali authorities and other relevant stakeholders, prioritizing the safety and welfare of its citizens.
The spokesperson also confirmed ongoing engagement with US authorities concerning visa and consular issues affecting Pakistani nationals.
