Pakistan Backs Saudi Arabia, Condemns Houthi Threats to Red Sea Shipping

ISLAMABAD: Foreign office on Wednesday said that Pakistan unequivocally condemns the continued threats issued by the Houthis militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

“Such actions threaten regional security, undermine freedom of navigation, challenge the rules-based maritime order and jeopardise uninterrupted flow of global commerce” reads a handout of Pakistani Foreign Office.

Threats against commercial shipping and trading with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are unacceptable and violate established principles of international law. Pakistan is particularly concerned by reports of threats directed against vessels engaged in lawful commercial trade with the Kingdom.

Pakistan reaffirms 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. Consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, Pakistan reserves 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.

Pakistan is also deeply concerned over attempts to drag the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into the conflict in the Middle East and reiterates its unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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 statement comes amid a widening regional conflict in the Middle East that has increasingly spilled into the Red Sea and surrounding maritime corridors.

Yemen’s Houthi movement has expanded its military campaign beyond Israel-linked targets, issuing fresh threats against commercial shipping and, more recently, against Saudi Arabia. The group has warned that it could target vessels trading with the Kingdom, raising concerns about a renewed escalation in one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.

The Red Sea is a vital artery for global commerce, carrying a significant share of international container traffic and energy shipments through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal. Any disruption to commercial navigation in these waters has immediate consequences for global supply chains, freight costs and energy markets. Shipping companies have already been forced on several occasions to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit times and transportation costs.

Pakistan has substantial economic and strategic interests in the security of the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. A large portion of Pakistan’s trade with Europe, Africa and the Middle East transits through these sea lanes, while millions of Pakistanis living and working in the Gulf contribute billions of dollars annually in remittances. The country’s longstanding strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia also makes the Kingdom’s security a matter of significant concern for Islamabad.

Pakistan has consistently advocated de-escalation in the Middle East while supporting freedom of navigation and adherence to international law. Islamabad has repeatedly called for disputes to be resolved through diplomacy and has emphasized the importance of protecting commercial shipping from attacks. The latest statement reflects Pakistan’s dual approach of urging restraint and dialogue while making clear that it will safeguard its maritime interests and stand by Saudi Arabia against threats to its security and sovereignty