Pakistan has issued a stark warning that it reserves the right to use military force to protect its maritime assets, signaling a hardening stance against escalating threats to commercial shipping in the region. The Foreign Office declared on Thursday that any hostile action against Pakistani-flagged vessels would be treated as a direct threat to national security.
Speaking during a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels and expressed deep alarm over explicit threats directed at ships engaged in legitimate trade with Saudi Arabia. He stressed that such actions were unacceptable and posed a grave danger to regional stability and global commerce.
Sovereign Right to Self-Defense Invoked
Andrabi made it clear that Pakistan would not tolerate aggression against its maritime interests. He stated that the country views any belligerent act against its shipping as a serious violation of its sovereign interests.
“Under international law, Pakistan reserves the right to use force to defend its maritime assets,” the spokesperson asserted, reaffirming the nation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sea lanes and commercial fleet.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi militia attacks have disrupted a critical artery of global trade. Pakistan’s warning underscores its readiness to move beyond diplomatic protests to active defense measures if its vessels are targeted.
“Threats to Saudi Arabia’s trade and commercial shipping are unacceptable and could pose a serious threat to regional peace and global commerce,” Andrabi said, signaling solidarity with a key strategic partner.
Diplomatic Push for Iran-US Dialogue
Amid the military posturing, Islamabad is simultaneously pursuing diplomatic channels to de-escalate Middle East tensions. The Foreign Office expressed hope that stalled talks between Iran and the United States would resume, emphasizing that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving disputes.
“We are hopeful that Iran-US talks will take place,” Andrabi said, noting that Pakistan’s deputy prime minister had engaged with several foreign ministers on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum to push for peace.
These diplomatic efforts were complemented by high-level meetings in Islamabad, where the Iranian interior minister held discussions with Pakistan’s prime minister, deputy prime minister, and the army chief.
Cross-Border Terrorism and Trade Ties
Beyond maritime security, the Foreign Office raised serious concerns about terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan. The spokesperson warned that alleged support for militant groups by the Afghan Taliban continues to threaten regional peace, noting that thousands of Pakistanis have lost their lives in attacks. He urged the international community to hold the interim Afghan government accountable.
On the economic front, the spokesperson addressed Pakistan’s engagement with the European Union regarding its GSP Plus status. He maintained that a recent EU report was final and confirmed Pakistan’s implementation of 27 international conventions. Andrabi said the trade scheme has significantly benefited Pakistan’s economy and that regular contact with the EU would continue to uphold these commitments.
