Photo courtesy of Anadolu
Pakistan warned it could use force to protect its maritime assets and commercial interests in the Red Sea amid rising tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The Foreign Ministry said Islamabad reserved the right to take all necessary measures, including lawful self-defense, to safeguard Pakistani-flagged vessels and national interests under international law.
The statement followed a Houthi announcement banning maritime navigation to Saudi Arabia, which the group said was in response to what it described as a Saudi blockade.
Pakistan expressed concern over reported threats against commercial vessels engaged in lawful trade with Saudi Arabia.
Islamabad said any hostile act targeting Pakistani ships or maritime interests would be treated as a serious threat to the country’s national security and sovereignty.
The government also condemned the Houthis’ continued threats against commercial shipping, saying such actions endangered regional security, freedom of navigation and global trade.
While reaffirming its support for Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity, Pakistan urged all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety of international maritime routes.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are defense treaty allies under an agreement signed last year.