Pakistan Reserves Right to Use Force Against Houthi Maritime Threats

Pakistan has asserted its right to employ force, in accordance with international law, to safeguard its maritime interests and commercial vessels should they face any targeting by Houthi militias. The nation reiterated its condemnation of threats issued by the militias against commercial navigation in the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia.

Tahir Andrabi, spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that any hostile act targeting ships flying the Pakistani flag or the country's maritime interests would be considered a grave threat to Pakistan's national security and sovereignty. He affirmed that Islamabad would undertake all legitimate measures to protect its interests, including exercising its right to self-defense as per the United Nations Charter and international law.

He added that threats directed at commercial vessels in the Red Sea undermine regional security and freedom of navigation, jeopardizing the rules-based international maritime order and impacting the flow of global trade. The Pakistani official reiterated his country's condemnation of threats affecting trade linked to Saudi Arabia, deeming them a violation of international law, and highlighted Islamabad's concern over reports of threats to ships engaged in legitimate commercial activities with the Kingdom.

Andrabi also conveyed his country's apprehension regarding attempts to broaden the conflict in the Middle East and draw Saudi Arabia into it, emphasizing Pakistan's steadfast support for the Kingdom's security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability.

The spokesperson called upon all parties to adhere to international law and ensure the safety and security of international maritime navigation, affirming that Pakistan continues to support solutions based on dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation to maintain security and stability in the region. These Pakistani statements come amidst ongoing security tensions in the Red Sea, where attacks and threats targeting commercial vessels have raised increasing concerns about the security of international maritime routes and their impact on global trade.