Pakistan slams Houthi threats to Saudi Arabia
Pakistan has strongly condemned the Houthi militia’s threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, describing the actions as a serious threat to regional peace, international trade and maritime security.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Foreign Office said Pakistan unequivocally rejects the continued threats directed at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and vessels involved in lawful commercial activities. It stressed that freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted movement of global trade must be protected at all costs.
The statement came after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The group declared that ships linked to the kingdom could become targets, saying the move was a response to what it described as Saudi actions in Yemen.
Pakistan said any threat to commercial shipping violates international law and undermines the rules-based maritime order. The Foreign Office warned that such actions not only endanger regional security but also put global commerce and energy supplies at risk.
Islamabad expressed particular concern over reports that commercial vessels trading with Saudi Arabia could be targeted. The Foreign Office said attacks or threats against civilian shipping are unacceptable and could have serious consequences for international trade.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting national interests, Pakistan warned that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged ships or Pakistan’s maritime assets would be treated as a grave threat to the country’s sovereignty and national security.
The statement added that Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures, including lawful self-defense under the United Nations Charter and international law, to protect its maritime interests if required.
Pakistan also voiced concern over attempts to widen the ongoing Middle East conflict by dragging Saudi Arabia into the regional confrontation. The Foreign Office reiterated Islamabad’s unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The government urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation. It called for dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful solutions to resolve disputes while emphasizing the importance of protecting international shipping routes.
The Foreign Office stressed that ensuring the safety of maritime trade is essential for global economic stability. It said uninterrupted navigation through international waterways is critical for maintaining the flow of energy supplies and commercial goods across the world.
The Houthi announcement has raised fresh concerns among governments and shipping companies over the security of the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital gateway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a key route for oil exports from the Gulf to international markets.
