UNITED NATIONS (Special Correspondent) – Pakistan has officially called for the responsible and equitable use of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen global maritime security, prevent their potential misuse and safeguard international peace and security. Addressing the Security Council’s high-level open debate on “Emerging Technologies and Maritime Security: Implications for Peace and Security” on 29 October 2026, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, the Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, emphasized the urgency of managing the growing intersection of technological advancements, geopolitical competition, and maritime challenges.

Key Points

• Pakistan advocates for a universal regulatory framework under the United Nations to govern emerging technologies in maritime security.
• Ambassador Usman Jadoon warned that unmanned systems and drone swarms increase risks to merchant shipping and critical infrastructure.
• The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was reaffirmed as the primary legal framework for maritime order.
• Pakistan condemned Houthi militia attacks in the Bab-al-Mandab Strait as a major threat to global energy and food security.

Risks of Emerging Technologies in Maritime Domains

Ambassador Jadoon observed that modern advancements, including AI, machine learning, blockchain, and unmanned autonomous systems, are fundamentally transforming the maritime domain while simultaneously creating new vulnerabilities. He specifically cautioned that the increased accessibility of drone swarms and loitering munitions has enhanced the capacity for state and non-state actors to threaten critical merchant shipping and infrastructure. Furthermore, he noted that the rapid digitalization of navigation and port operations has significantly increased exposure to sophisticated cyberattacks.

To address these challenges, the Ambassador emphasized the need for a balanced and inclusive approach. He called for a universal regulatory framework developed under the auspices of the United Nations, alongside robust capacity-building programmes for developing countries, particularly those in the Global South. As Pakistan Reports Encouraging Growth in Exports and Remittances for FYQ1, the stability of international trade routes remains a high priority for the national economy. He further stressed that emerging technologies should be readily available for humanitarian purposes, such as providing assistance to seafarers threatened by piracy.

Defending International Maritime Law

Reaffirming the centrality of established legal norms, Ambassador Jadoon underscored that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) remains the cornerstone of the international maritime order. He asserted that its legal framework must be protected and promoted universally to prevent chaos on the high seas. Referring to the volatile security situation in vital corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-al-Mandab, he warned that disruptions to traffic and attacks on vessels could rapidly undermine global energy, food, and economic stability.

Pakistan officially condemned Houthi militia attacks on merchant shipping and seafarers in the Bab-al-Mandab Strait, describing these actions as a direct threat to maritime security and regional development. Consistent with its diplomatic policy, Ambassador Jadoon reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while expressing complete solidarity with its leadership. Just as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb Discusses Economic Cooperation With Saudi Ambassador, Pakistan maintains that global shipping must not become a casualty of regional conflict.

Commitment to Peace and Cooperation

As a littoral state of the Indian Ocean with a significant reliance on seaborne trade, Pakistan attaches paramount importance to maritime safety. Ambassador Jadoon emphasized that international shipping must continue to serve as a driver of global economic development rather than a target for military competition. Similar to the collaborative spirit seen when the Pakistan and China Sign Green Channel Agreement at Sost-Khunjerab Border, the nation remains committed to multilateralism.

Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued engagement with the United Nations and like-minded nations. The objective remains ensuring that the world’s oceans function as a zone of peace and cooperation, rather than a theatre of conflict. “This is our solemn collective responsibility, and we cannot afford to fail,” he stated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Pakistan advocate for a new UN framework for maritime technology?

Pakistan advocates for this framework to ensure the responsible use of AI and autonomous systems, which currently pose new risks of miscalculation, cyberattacks, and threats to merchant shipping.

What is Pakistan’s stance on the Houthi militia attacks?

Pakistan has strongly condemned these attacks in the Bab-al-Mandab Strait, viewing them as a direct threat to maritime security, regional peace, and global economic stability.