By Nayyer Khawaja

Islamabad, Pakistan has strongly condemned the continued threats issued by the Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, calling the actions a serious threat to regional security, freedom of navigation, and global trade.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that threats against commercial vessels engaged in lawful trade with Saudi Arabia are unacceptable and violate international law. Pakistan expressed particular concern over reports of threats directed at ships involved in legitimate commercial activities with the Kingdom.

The Foreign Office warned that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or Pakistan’s maritime interests would be considered a grave threat to the country’s national security and sovereign interests. It stated that Pakistan reserves the right, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, to take all necessary measures, including the lawful use of force in self-defence, to protect its maritime assets.

Pakistan also expressed concern over attempts to draw Saudi Arabia into the wider Middle East conflict and reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity.

Reiterating its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and regional de-escalation, Pakistan called on all parties to uphold international law and ensure the safety and security of international maritime shipping and the uninterrupted flow of global commerce.