ISLAMABAD— Pakistan on Wednesday “unequivocally” condemned threats by Houthi forces against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, making it clear that any hostile action targeting Pakistani-flagged vessels would be met with necessary force in self-defence.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) said such threats against lawful commercial shipping and regional trade routes violate international law and undermine the global rules-based maritime order.
Core Principles & Warnings Issued by Islamabad
The Foreign Office outlined Islamabad’s key positions on freedom of navigation and regional stability:
- Defense of Maritime Interests: Pakistan made it clear that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or maritime assets would be considered a direct threat to national security, with Islamabad reserving the right to respond with lawful force under the United Nations Charter.
- Support for Saudi Arabia:The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity” of Saudi Arabia, while expressing deep concern over attempts to pull the Kingdom into the wider Middle East conflict.
- Protection of Global Commerce: The FO called on all parties to respect international law in order to safeguard global supply chains and vital maritime trade corridors.
Policy Position Breakdown
“Threats against commercial shipping and trading with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are unacceptable… Any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or Pakistani maritime interests will be regarded as a grave threat to Pakistan’s national security,” the Foreign Office stated.
The statement comes as tensions rise in the Middle East, with maritime traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait facing serious disruptions due to ongoing military exchanges and blockade threats.
