Pakistan has issued a forceful condemnation after a Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea claimed the lives of three Pakistani nationals and left another critically injured. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the casualties on Tuesday, vowing to repatriate the victims and pursue accountability for the strike that also killed an Indonesian crew member.
Attack on the Tihamah
The assault targeted the Tanzania-flagged cargo ship Tihamah as it navigated near the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait. According to initial reports from Yemeni government and coast guard sources, the vessel’s deck was struck directly, resulting in immediate fatalities. The incident marks another deadly escalation in the Houthis’ campaign against international shipping in the region.
“I have learnt with deep concern about the unfortunate incident,” Dar stated on social media platform X. “According to the information available so far, three Pakistani nationals have lost their lives and one has sustained injuries. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
Diplomatic Condemnation and Legal Breach
Dar’s statement underscored Islamabad’s firm stance that the attack represents a grave violation of international norms. He stressed that targeting non-combatant commercial vessels endangers innocent lives and threatens the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation.
- Pakistan strongly condemns Houthi attacks on civilian ships.
- Such actions violate international law and maritime security protocols.
- The assault poses a serious risk to the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Repatriation Efforts Underway
In response to the tragedy, the foreign minister has ordered the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh to take immediate action. Diplomatic staff are coordinating with Saudi authorities and Yemen’s internationally recognized government to gather full details of the incident and the circumstances on the ground.
Dar has directed the embassy to urgently pursue all necessary measures for the retrieval and repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Pakistanis. Simultaneously, consular teams are tasked with providing comprehensive medical and logistical assistance to the sole injured survivor, a Pakistani national whose condition remains under assessment.
International Coordination and Regional Security
Pakistan confirmed it is maintaining close contact with all relevant parties as the situation develops. The attack highlights the persistent volatility of the Red Sea corridor, a critical artery for global trade that has seen repeated disruptions from Houthi operations.
The loss of life aboard the Tihamah adds to a mounting toll of civilian mariners caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts, raising fresh questions about the protection of merchant vessels in contested waters.
