Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Pakistan: Bypassing Suez Canal not a viable option; global shipping recognizes its importance
ISMAILIA — The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, emphasized the critical importance of the Suez Canal for international trade, stating that bypassing the waterway is not a practical solution for the global shipping industry.
General Mirza made his remarks during an official visit to Egypt, where he was received by Vice Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority, alongside Pakistani Ambassador to Cairo, Amer Shaukat. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides at the landmark Canal Authority building in Ismailia, and aimed to strengthen cooperation between Egypt and Pakistan, particularly in the maritime and trade sectors.
Admiral Rabie welcomed the Pakistani delegation and highlighted the enduring partnership and friendship between the two nations. He reaffirmed the Suez Canal’s commitment to supporting global trade flows despite current challenges, particularly those affecting transit traffic due to ongoing instability in the Red Sea region.
Rabie underscored that the Suez Canal Authority maintains direct communication with major shipping lines and offers flexible pricing policies and new maritime services to address customer needs in both normal and exceptional circumstances. He stressed that the Canal remains the most sustainable route for global trade, saving shipping companies significant time, distance, fuel consumption, and reducing harmful carbon emissions.
General Mirza echoed these sentiments, noting the shared cultural and religious links between Egypt and Pakistan, and the similarities in facing regional challenges. He described the Suez Canal as a “cornerstone” of the east-west trade routes, recognized by the international maritime community as the shortest and fastest shipping lane that ensures safe passage.
The Pakistani military chief warned that rerouting vessels away from the Suez Canal would disrupt supply chain stability due to higher operational costs and increased marine insurance premiums. He praised Egypt’s ongoing investments to upgrade the canal’s infrastructure, transforming the region into a global logistics and industrial hub, and a promising economic center.
As part of the visit, General Mirza and his delegation observed a ship transit simulation exercise at the Suez Canal Training and Simulation Center, followed by a tour of the New Suez Canal, the Suez Yacht Marina in Ismailia, and the Suez Canal Museum.