Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong commitment to Pakistan Gulf Solidarity, calling for an immediate end to military provocations and unlawful attacks as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East. Addressing the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, urged all parties to prioritise diplomacy, respect national sovereignty and protect civilians and commercial shipping.
Speaking during a Security Council meeting on the situation in the Gulf, Ambassador Shah expressed serious concern over escalating regional tensions and their potential consequences for the security of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the wider region.
He stressed that Pakistan shares deep-rooted fraternal relations with Gulf nations and considers their security, stability and economic prosperity extremely important.
Pakistan Condemns Attacks on Gulf Countries
Ambassador Shah strongly condemned attacks against GCC member states and expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity with their governments and populations.
He particularly highlighted threats and attacks by Houthi militias against Saudi Arabia, including incidents targeting civilian infrastructure and vessels involved in lawful commercial activities.
The Pakistani envoy reiterated Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
He also emphasised that attacks against civilian facilities, including airports and energy installations, were unacceptable and could further destabilise an already tense region.
Pakistan’s position reflects its longstanding diplomatic and strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Millions of Pakistanis live and work across the Gulf, while the region remains an important destination for Pakistani exports, investment and economic cooperation.
Consequently, instability in these countries could have serious implications for Pakistan’s economic interests and the safety of its citizens.
Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Raise Maritime Concerns
Another major issue highlighted by Ambassador Shah was the security of important international shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
Both waterways play a significant role in global trade and the transportation of energy supplies. Any disruption to commercial shipping in these strategic locations can affect international markets and increase uncertainty for countries dependent on imported fuel and food.
The Pakistani envoy warned that threats to maritime navigation and attacks on merchant vessels endangered seafarers, disrupted international commerce and increased the risk of energy and food insecurity.
He called on all parties to respect navigational rights and freedoms, protect commercial vessels and their crews, and restore normal maritime passage.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring safe and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian supplies.
These concerns are particularly significant for developing economies, which can be more vulnerable to rising transportation costs, supply chain disruptions and increases in international commodity prices.
Islamabad Urges Dialogue and Diplomatic Solutions
Pakistan has maintained that military escalation cannot provide a sustainable solution to regional conflicts.
During his address, Ambassador Shah argued that lasting peace would require addressing the underlying causes of instability through dialogue, cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
He called for a regional framework based on common security, peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity.
The envoy also urged all parties to stop attacks, maintain open communication channels and support regional diplomatic initiatives.
He encouraged international efforts, including the United Nations Secretary-General’s good offices, to help reduce tensions and create conditions for meaningful negotiations.
Pakistan further reaffirmed its willingness to work with friendly and brotherly countries, as well as international partners, to promote de-escalation, maritime security and long-term regional stability.
The position reflects Islamabad’s preference for diplomatic engagement while maintaining support for the sovereignty and security of its regional partners.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Defence Cooperation
Pakistan’s support for Gulf security comes alongside expanding defence cooperation with key regional partners, particularly Saudi Arabia.
The two countries signed a bilateral defence agreement in September 2025, further strengthening their longstanding military relationship.
In August 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye also signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), establishing a trilateral security arrangement.
Under the agreement, an attack against any one of the three participating countries would be treated as an attack against all three. The arrangement highlights their commitment to collective defence and closer security cooperation.
These developments demonstrate the growing strategic importance of Pakistan’s relationships with Gulf and other regional partners.
Defence cooperation, however, exists alongside broader diplomatic and economic ties that include trade, investment, energy cooperation and people-to-people connections.
Why Gulf Stability Matters to Pakistan
The Gulf region holds considerable importance for Pakistan because of its geographical position, economic links and longstanding diplomatic relationships.
A large Pakistani workforce is employed across Gulf countries, contributing to the economies of both their host nations and Pakistan through remittances.
The region is also central to global energy markets. Disruptions to shipping routes or energy infrastructure could increase international oil prices and place additional pressure on countries already facing economic challenges.
For Pakistan, maintaining stable relations with Gulf partners is therefore both a diplomatic priority and an economic necessity.
The country’s renewed call for Pakistan Gulf Solidarity reflects these interconnected interests.
Pakistan Calls for Lasting Regional Peace
Ambassador Shah’s statement at the UN Security Council highlights Pakistan’s concerns about the consequences of continued military escalation in the Middle East.
By condemning attacks on Gulf countries, supporting Saudi Arabia’s security and calling for the protection of international shipping, Islamabad has reiterated its commitment to regional stability.
Pakistan’s message is that lasting peace requires more than temporary pauses in hostilities. It needs sustained diplomatic engagement, respect for sovereignty and cooperation among regional states.
As tensions continue, Pakistan is expected to remain engaged with its regional partners and international institutions to encourage dialogue and prevent further escalation.
