Pakistan calls for responsible use of AI to strengthen maritime security

Pakistan has advocated for the responsible and fair utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to bolster maritime security, deter their improper use, and maintain global peace and security. This stance was expressed by Pakistan’s Acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Usman Jadoon, during a high-level open debate on 'Emerging Technologies and Maritime Security: Implications for Peace and Security' at the United Nations Security Council.

Jadoon highlighted the importance of making emerging technologies accessible for humanitarian use, such as providing assistance to seafarers facing piracy threats. He reiterated that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has served as the foundation of international maritime order since its inception. "The legal order established by UNCLOS and the broader spectrum of the law of the sea must be safeguarded and promoted universally," emphasized Jadoon.

The disruptions caused by pirate attacks and maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-Al-Mandab underscore the potential risks to energy, food, and economic security, he stated. Pakistan reiterates its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring countries in the region, which are vulnerable to instability in these crucial waterways and maritime chokepoints.

Jadoon strongly condemned the Houthi militia's intentions to weaponize the Bab-Al-Mandab strait and attack merchant ships and seafarers, asserting that these actions jeopardize the security and development of regional nations, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has endured direct aggression from the Houthis.