https://arab.news/cxa8r
- Islamabad says all maritime disputes should be resolved in accordance with international law
- Experts warn a dangerous situation is developing in Strait of Hormuz that must be addressed quickly
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday urged South Korea and Iran to exercise restraint amid fears that a maritime dispute between the two countries could escalate.
Seoul has moved military forces close to the Strait of Hormuz after Iran鈥檚 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized a South Korean-flagged oil tanker on Monday. The Hankuk Chemi, with 20 crew members on board, was traveling from 抖阴短视频 to the UAE when it was intercepted and taken to the port of Bandar Abbas.
While officials in Seoul said they are pursuing a diplomatic solution to the crisis, the South Korean navy鈥檚 destroyer, Choi Young, arrived in the area on Tuesday.
鈥淲e have noted the development (in the Strait of Hormuz). We urge all sides to exercise restraint,鈥� said Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, a spokesman for Pakistan鈥檚 Foreign Office. 鈥淎ll the differences pertaining to maritime affairs should be resolved as per international laws.鈥�
Experts in Pakistan warned that a potentially dangerous situation is developing in the region and it must be addressed as soon as possible.
鈥淎ny disturbance in this part of the world, which contributes about 65 percent to the world oil trade, should be a matter of grave concern 鈥� the stakes are high for every country,鈥� Rear Adm. Saleem Akhtar, a retired naval officer and maritime affairs expert, told Arab News.
He said that the situation was of particular concern to Pakistan given its its close proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.
鈥淚f it escalates, it could be a very dangerous situation for Pakistan,鈥� he added. 鈥淚t will affect our merchant ships and make trade far more expensive and difficult; 95 percent of our trade comes from this place.鈥�
Korean officials said on Thursday that a government delegation was traveling from Seoul to Tehran to secure the release of the tanker and its crew.
Retired Vice Adm. Khan Hasham bin Saddique, Pakistan鈥檚 ambassador to 抖阴短视频 and another expert on maritime affairs, said it is a good sign that a Korean delegation has been sent to Iran in an attempt to resolve the situation diplomatically.
鈥淭he Strait of Hormuz is extremely important for the whole region,鈥� he said. 鈥淎 diplomatic solution to the problem is good for everyone in the neighborhood, since peace in this area is vital to international trade.鈥�