Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan met Araghchi on safe shipping and energy supply during Hormuz crisis
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan expressed concern over the growing disruption of vital energy and shipping routes as regional tensions continue to block traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar calling for uninterrupted energy supply and safe movement of commercial vessels.
Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Saturday, and the two sides discussed the rapidly changing regional situation and stressed the importance of keeping energy flows flowing and ensuring that ships can move safely and quickly through key waterways.
Before the start of the Iran war on February 28, about 125 large commercial vessels passed through the strait each day, including oil tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and container ships. The waterway typically carries about 20 percent of the world’s daily supply of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for global energy markets. Recent shipping data points to a sharp decline in maritime activity.
Only four commodity ships crossed the Hormuz on Thursday, compared to the 10-day average of 16 ships. The latest figures were a day earlier after six crossings. The vessels recorded included two panamax tankers, one supermax vessel and one comsarmax vessel. This situation raised concerns about global energy and supply chain security, particularly for countries heavily dependent on imported fuels.
Some ships are also avoiding detection by turning off their transponders while sailing through conflict zones, meaning publicly tracked data cannot capture every movement.
Pressure extends beyond Hormuz as traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait stood at 23 cargo ships this week, down from its recent 10-day average of 26.
For Pakistan, this obstacle has wider economic significance. Darr particularly highlighted the consequences for developing economies and international supply chains, stressing the need to curb barriers to energy and maritime trade. He also emphasized on dialogue and diplomacy and said that engagement is necessary to achieve peace and stability in the region.
The Pakistani and Iranian foreign ministers also agreed to maintain close contact and are expected to meet in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The post Pak Deputy Prime Minister engaged in Araghchi on safe shipping, energy supply during Hormuz crisis appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
Stay updated with the latest alerts on this story:
View Original Coverage