ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has confirmed its commitment to ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, while simultaneously reviewing the framework and operational details of a newly announced Saudi-led multinational maritime security coalition.
In this regard, the Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan remained actively engaged with regional partners in promoting peace and stability across the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
He focused on the fact that Islamabad continues to work closely with “brotherly countries” to support the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which seeks to facilitate dialogue and ensure safe maritime navigation.
Andrabi explained that different regional countries are leading separate aspects of the diplomatic process, and Oman has assumed the primary role in negotiations concerning the future management of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan continues to contribute through coordinated diplomatic engagement alongside Qatar and other regional partners.
He stressed that Pakistan’s immediate priority is to support a political settlement rather than focus on individual manifestations of the crisis, including blockades or attacks on commercial shipping.
The lasting agreement would naturally address such security concerns by removing the root causes of regional tensions.
The Foreign Office also mentioned the distinction between crisis management and long-term mediation, noting that Pakistan has played an important role in facilitating dialogue during periods of heightened tensions while continuing to support broader diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving lasting regional stability.
He confirmed that consultations are underway with Pakistan Navy Headquarters and other military authorities before any final decision is made regarding Pakistan’s level of involvement.
The coalition, announced by Saudi Arabia following a meeting in Riyadh attended by military representatives from 43 countries, aims to strengthen maritime security in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden through intelligence sharing, joint exercises and coordinated defensive operations. Pakistan was among the founding endorsers of the initiative.
The spokesperson’s statements came as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, where senior-level discussions on regional cooperation and security are expected.
He also noted that Pakistan would consider participation in any future international stabilization force for Gaza only after receiving a formal proposal, describing such discussions as premature at this stage.
