Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have pledged to intensify their joint efforts to safeguard regional peace and secure vital maritime trade routes, following a series of aggressive Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The commitment was solidified during a high-level telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Unwavering Condemnation and Solidarity
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a forceful condemnation of the Houthi militia’s assaults, describing them as “unacceptable” and a flagrant violation of international law. He stressed that such hostile actions directly threaten the freedom of navigation and critically undermine regional peace and security.
In a powerful display of allegiance, the Prime Minister assured Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Pakistan’s complete and unwavering solidarity. He stated that he, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and the entire Pakistani nation stand resolutely with the Saudi leadership and its people during this period of heightened tension.
Agreement on Regional Maritime SecurityAccording to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders agreed to maintain close coordination to ensure the uninterrupted flow of lawful maritime commerce. Their shared objective centers on preserving stability in critical waterways, including the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, and the broader region.
The diplomatic exchange came in direct response to the Houthi movement’s claim of launching missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and Layla, coupled with threats to impose a naval blockade on Saudi ports. While Saudi authorities confirmed the Encel was hit, details on the second vessel were not disclosed. The incident has sharply escalated concerns over global oil supply chains and maritime security.
Regional Tensions and International Law
This bilateral stance reinforces a prior condemnation by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, which decried the Houthi threats against commercial shipping. The Foreign Office articulated that such actions challenge the rules-based maritime order and pose a direct threat to global trade, declaring threats against vessels engaged in lawful commerce as contrary to established principles of international law.
The developments unfold against a backdrop of escalating regional instability, marked by the Houthi’s declared naval blockade and Saudi Arabia’s recent interception of ballistic missiles launched from Yemen towards its southern territory.
