Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has strongly condemned threats by Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, warning that such actions pose a serious risk to regional security and global trade.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Foreign Office (FO) said threats against commercial vessels and trade with Saudi Arabia are unacceptable, undermine freedom of navigation and violate established principles of international law.
The FO also expressed concern over reports that vessels engaged in lawful commercial trade with the Kingdom could be targeted.
It stated that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or the country’s maritime interests would be considered a grave threat to its national security and sovereign interests.
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The Foreign Office added that, in line with the UN Charter and international law, Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures, including the lawful use of force in self-defense, to protect its maritime assets and national interests.
The statement also voiced concern over attempts to draw Saudi Arabia deeper into the ongoing Middle East conflict and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity.
Pakistan urged all parties to exercise restraint, respect international law and ensure the safety and security of international maritime shipping through dialogue and diplomacy.
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The statement comes after the Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and threatened commercial shipping. Last week, Saudi authorities said they intercepted ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward the Kingdom’s southern region.
