Islamabad, Apr 1 (AP) A Pakistani vessel carrying oil arrived at the southern port city of Karachi after transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while a second vessel reached the port via a different route, a Karachi Port Trust spokesperson said Wednesday.

Spokesperson Shariq Farooqi said more Pakistani-flagged ships are expected this month to deliver much-needed oil from Gulf countries.

The development comes days after Pakistan’s foreign minister said Iran had agreed to allow 20 additional Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as a “constructive gesture” aimed at easing regional tensions.

Pakistan is also seeking to help end the conflict between the United States and Iran by encouraging both sides to return to negotiations.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global oil shipments. (AP) NPK NPK