Pakistan warns over Houthi threats to Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday condemned continued threats by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, saying the development posed risks to regional stability and international trade.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said such threats endangered freedom of navigation, challenged the rules-based maritime order and put the uninterrupted movement of global commerce at risk. It said threats targeting commercial shipping and trade involving Saudi Arabia were unacceptable and ran contrary to established principles of international law.

The Foreign Office also said it was concerned by reports that vessels involved in lawful commercial trade with the Kingdom had been threatened. The statement came amid rising tensions after the Houthis announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and warned that commercial shipping could be targeted.

Pakistan said any hostile action against Pakistani-flagged ships or the country’s maritime interests would be considered a serious threat to its national security and sovereign interests. The Foreign Office added that, in line with the United Nations Charter and international law, Pakistan reserved the right to take all necessary steps, including the lawful use of force in self-defence, to protect its maritime assets and national interests.

The statement also voiced deep concern over attempts to draw Saudi Arabia into the wider Middle East conflict. Pakistan reiterated what it described as unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity.

Last week, Saudi Arabia intercepted ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis from Yemen toward the Kingdom’s southern region. A spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen said the missiles had been brought down after being fired by the terrorist Houthi militia toward southern Saudi Arabia.

Reaffirming support for dialogue and diplomacy, Pakistan called on all parties to abide by international law and ensure the safety and security of international maritime shipping, while stressing the need for regional de-escalation.