ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office on Thursday urged both Iran and South Korea to exercise restraint and resolve their differences under international law.
The statement was issued after South Korea moved its forces near the Strait of Hormuz after Iran seized its oil tanker along with the crew on Monday.
“We have noted the development [in the Strait of Hormuz]. We urge all sides to exercise restraint,” the foreign office spokesman, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, said in a press briefing in Islamabad.
“All the differences pertaining to maritime affairs should be resolved as per international laws,” he added.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard stormed the South Korean tanker earlier this week and forcefully took it to an Iranian port nearby.
The South Korean Navy sent its destroyer to the area amid escalating tensions. A South Korean delegation also left for Iran on Thursday to negotiate an early release of the oil tanker and its crew.
“A dangerous situation is developing in the area that must wisely be addressed in this early stage. Any disturbance in this part of the world, which contributes about 65 percent to the world oil trade, should be a matter of grave concern. The stakes are high for every country,” retired naval officer and maritime affairs expert, Rear Admiral Saleem Akhtar, told Arab News.
He added that the development was particularly challenging for Pakistan due to its close proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.
“Our 95 percent of the trade comes from this place,” he said. “If it escalates, it can be a very dangerous situation for Pakistan. It will affect our merchant ships and make trade far more expensive and difficult.”
Pakistan should use its close relations with Iran to deescalate the situation and mediate, Akhtar suggested.
Another maritime affairs expert, Vice Admiral Khan Hasham bin Saddique, said it was a good sign that South Korea had sent its delegation to Iran to diplomatically resolve the issue.
“The Strait of Hormuz is extremely important for the whole region. A diplomatic solution to the problem is good for everyone in the neighborhood and since peace in this area is vital to international trade,” he told Arab News.
Pakistan urges restraint from Iran after South Korea tanker seizure
https://arab.news/5wdh3
Pakistan urges restraint from Iran after South Korea tanker seizure
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard recently stormed a South Korean oil tanker and took it to a nearby port
- All differences pertaining to maritime affairs should be resolved as per international law, says the foreign ministry
Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore
- Twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and require better airport infrastructure, navigation systems to land
- Pakistan Airports Authority says landing reflects its commitment to enhance aviation sector, strengthen infrastructure
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday that the New General Aviation Aerodrome achieved a significant milestone when it handled the landing of a twin-engine aircraft.
A twin-engine aircraft has two engines that provide it redundancy and increased performance compared to single-engine counterparts. These aircraft range from small twin-engine propeller planes to large commercial jetliners. The presence of multiple engines enhances safety by allowing the aircraft to continue flying in the event of an engine failure.
However, twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and more complex than single-engine planes. They require advanced airport infrastructure such as better runways, navigation systems and air traffic coordination.
“The New General Aviation Aerodrome, Lahore achieved another significant operational milestone today with the successful landing of a twin-engine aircraft, following the recent arrival of a single-engine aircraft,” the PAA said in a statement.
It said the flight was also boarded by Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, the director general of the PAA. The move reflected “strong institutional confidence” in the aerodrome’s safety standards, operational capability, and overall readiness, it added.
“The landing was conducted with exceptional precision and professionalism, demonstrating the aerodrome’s robust operational framework, technical preparedness, and effective airside coordination in accordance with contemporary aviation requirements,” the PAA said.
It said the landing represented a “major advancement” in Pakistan’s general aviation sector and underscores the PAA’s commitment to enhancing regional aviation capacity, strengthening infrastructure and promoting excellence in aviation development.
