Pakistan condemns Houthis’ threats to Saudi Arabia, commercial shipping in Red Sea

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Pakistan on Wednesday “unequivocally” condemned the recent threats issued by Houthis against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Foreign Office said.</p> <p>Islamabad’s statement comes after Yemen’s Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2016977">announced</a> an immediate maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, opening a new front in the Middle East conflict.</p> <p>The naval blockade, if enforced, could cut off access to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports, which have been vital for oil exports as renewed US-Iran fighting <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2017472/hormuz-vessel-crossings-fall-further-as-security-concerns-linger">limits passage</a> through the Strait of Hormuz.</p> <p>“Threats against commercial shipping and trading with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are unacceptable and violate established principles of international law,” the FO said in a statement, noting the “continued threats” by Houthis.</p> <p>Islamabad said it was “particularly concerned by reports of threats directed against vessels engaged in lawful commercial trade” with Saudi Arabia.</p> <p>“Such actions threaten regional security, undermine freedom of navigation, challenge the rules-based maritime order and jeopardise uninterrupted flow of global commerce,” the FO highlighted.</p> <p>Furthermore, it declared that “any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or Pakistani maritime interests will be regarded as a grave threat to Pakistan’s national security and sovereign interests”.</p> <p>The FO warned that Pakistan reserved its right to “take all necessary measures, including lawful use of force, in the exercise of self-defence to protect its maritime assets and national interests”, consistent with the United Nations Charter and international law.</p> <p>Pakistan also said it was “deeply concerned over attempts to drag” Saudi Arabia into the Middle East conflict, as fighting continues between the United States and Iran, which in turn has targeted American military sites in some Gulf countries.</p> <p>Islamabad reiterated its “unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.</p> <p>“While remaining steadfast in its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and regional de-escalation, Pakistan calls upon all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety and security of international maritime shipping,” the FO statement affirmed.</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven media--tweet' data-original-src='https://x.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/2079845018882507204'> <div class='media__item media__item--twitter '><span> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/2079845018882507204"></a> </blockquote> </span></div> </figure> <p>The Houthis have previously tried to cut off shipping through the Red Sea, leveraging the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1993165">Bab al-Mandeb Strait</a>, a chok­epoint at its southern tip which vessels must navigate when travelling to or from the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean.</p> <p>Houthis’ Monday announcement came after the group and Saudi Arabia <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2015162"><u>traded fire</u></a> last week for the first time in years, threatening a 2022 truce that has held despite expiring.</p> <hr /> <p><em>More to follow</em></p> This development from dawn.com highlights ongoing changes in the sector.