Pakistan has issued a stern warning to the Houthi militia, declaring that any hostile act targeting Pakistani-flagged vessels or maritime interests will be treated as a direct threat to national security. The strongly worded statement signals a potential escalation in Islamabad’s posture regarding the ongoing instability in the Red Sea.
Unwavering Support for Saudi Arabia
In a press release issued by the Foreign Office on Wednesday, Islamabad unequivocally condemned the persistent threats directed at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping lanes. The government expressed deep concern over what it described as deliberate attempts to drag the Kingdom into the broader Middle Eastern conflict.
“Pakistan reiterates its unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement read, highlighting the strategic depth of the bilateral relationship.
Self-Defense and International Law
Moving beyond diplomatic censure, Pakistan explicitly reserved the right to use military force to protect its assets. The Foreign Office emphasized that threats against lawful commercial trade are unacceptable and violate established principles of international law.
“Consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, Pakistan reserves its right to take all necessary measures, including lawful use of force, in the exercise of self-defence to protect its maritime assets and national interests,” the communiqué stated.
Regional Security and Freedom of Navigation
The Red Sea crisis has severely disrupted global commerce, and Pakistan stressed that the Houthi actions undermine the rules-based maritime order. Islamabad called on all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety of international shipping.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and regional de-escalation, Pakistan’s message was clear: the security of its ships and the safety of trade routes are non-negotiable priorities that will be defended robustly against any militia threats.
