Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the United Nations General Assembly that the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab should remain open, mentioning that they are arteries of the global economy. “The Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab are arteries of the global economy; they must remain open — connecting nations, not becoming choke points of confrontation,” he said during the 81st UNGA session in New York on Friday. “These waters must carry the promise of prosperity, not the perils of war.” Condemning Houthi attacks on holy cities in Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz said that it was a “red line” and stressed that Pakistan stands with the Kingdom. He also said that the Makkah pact was not directed against any country; rather, it was a collective commitment for defence, stability, and peace in the region. “Nothing more.” Recalling the May war against India last year, he told the UNGA that Pakistani armed forces responded with “precision” and repulsed the enemy’s attack and taught it a lesson “it shall never ever forget”.