Pakistan Emphasizes Maritime Security at UN: Oceans Must Remain Zones of Peace, Prosperity, and Inclusive Development: Asim Iftikhar
Islamabad, 12 August 2025 : Pakistan advocated for comprehensive maritime security at the United Nations Security Council, warning against the militarization of vital waterways and emphasizing global cooperation. Addressing a high-level debate on maritime security, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, cautioned against viewing oceans as zones of domination rather than shared resources.
He criticized the exclusion of some countries from cooperative maritime agreements, stating that such actions undermine inclusivity and stability. Ambassador Ahmad underscored the importance of oceans as zones of peace and sustainable development. He called for rejecting attempts to transform oceans into arenas of strategic rivalry and instead promoting shared commitment and multilateralism.
Pakistan put forward several proposals, including targeted technology sharing with developing countries, establishing a global early warning system for maritime emergencies, cooperation on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, curbing ambitions of dominance, and integrating climate resilience into maritime security plans.
Ambassador Ahmad acknowledged the transformative potential of technologies like AI in maritime security while also recognizing the risks of misuse and unequal access. He advocated for responsible technological advancement with equitable access and safeguards. He further highlighted the impact of climate change on maritime threats and urged for integrating the climate-ocean-security nexus into a comprehensive global framework.
Referring to the Arabian Sea as Pakistan’s “fifth neighbor,” Ambassador Ahmad emphasized its strategic significance for Pakistan’s economy and trade. He highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to global maritime security through Combined Maritime Forces task forces, regional patrols, and hosting the multinational naval exercise AMAN. He noted that the exercise, held in February, included over 60 navies, fostering cooperation and interoperability.
