Pakistan backs immediate reopening of Strait of Hormuz: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said that it supports calls for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy and trade route, as regional tensions continue to raise concerns over maritime security and oil supply flows.

“The Strait of Hormuz is an important passage for the supply of goods for all. We agree with the demand for its immediate reopening,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi told a weekly press briefing.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region linked to the ongoing US-Iran standoff, which has disrupted shipping routes and pushed global oil prices higher.

Andrabi said that Pakistan remained engaged with all relevant parties regarding Iran-US talks, adding that diplomatic facilitation efforts initiated after Islamabad’s call for a ceasefire were still ongoing.

“The negotiations have not stopped; they are continuing. We are in contact with the parties, and both new and previous proposals remain on the table,” he said, adding that Pakistan would not disclose details due to the trust placed in it by the negotiating sides.

He said that Pakistan hoped for progress toward peace in the region.

Clarifying his earlier remarks on the Strait of Hormuz, the spokesperson said his comments were made in a general context and were not related to bilateral accusations between the United States and Iran.

Andrabi strongly condemned India’s decision to create new districts in the illegally occupied region of Ladakh, calling it a violation of disputed territory status.

“Any attempt by India to change the status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir or Ladakh is condemned,” he said.

On Afghanistan, he said the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan should not be viewed as routine, stressing that it was linked to preventing the use of Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan.

The spokesperson also provided updates on Pakistanis stranded abroad, saying around 84 citizens were stuck in Cambodia, including 76 men and eight women.

He said Pakistan’s mission in Phnom Penh was in contact with local authorities to ensure their welfare.

He added that most of those individuals had entered Cambodia on tourist visas and were allegedly involved in illegal employment or online fraud-related activities.

Andrabi also said that 11 Pakistani nationals were being held hostage by pirates off Somalia after an incident on April 21 involving a tanker anchored in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region.

He said Pakistan was in contact with Somali authorities and relevant stakeholders, adding that the safety and welfare of citizens remained a top priority.

The spokesperson also confirmed continued engagement with US authorities on visa and consular matters affecting Pakistani nationals.