Pakistan warns Houthis over Red Sea threats

Pakistan has strongly condemned continued threats by Yemen's Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, warning that any attack on Pakistani-flagged vessels or the country's maritime interests would be treated as a serious threat to its national security.

In a statement issued on July 22, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Houthi threats undermine regional security, freedom of navigation, the rules-based maritime order and the uninterrupted flow of global trade.

The ministry described threats against commercial shipping and trade with Saudi Arabia as unacceptable and in violation of international law. It also expressed particular concern over reported threats targeting vessels engaged in lawful commercial trade with the kingdom.

Pakistan said any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged ships or its maritime interests would be regarded as a grave threat to its sovereignty and national security.

It added that, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures, including the lawful use of force in self-defence, to protect its maritime assets and national interests.

The statement also voiced concern over what it described as attempts to draw Saudi Arabia into the wider Middle East conflict, reaffirming Pakistan's support for the kingdom's security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity.

Pakistan concluded by reiterating its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and regional de-escalation, while calling on all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety and security of international maritime shipping.