Pakistan warns of force if Houthi rebels target its ships or maritime interests

WEBDESK: Pakistan has strongly condemned threats by Yemen’s Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, warning that it reserves the right to use force if any Pakistani-flagged vessels or the country’s maritime interests are targeted.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Foreign Office said threats against commercial vessels engaged in trade with Saudi Arabia pose a serious risk to regional security, global commerce and the international maritime order.

The FO said such actions undermine freedom of navigation and jeopardise the rules-based international maritime system, as well as the uninterrupted flow of global trade. It added that any attempt to target Pakistani-flagged ships or Pakistan’s maritime interests would be regarded as a grave threat to the country’s national security and sovereign interests and would not be tolerated.

The statement mentioned that, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law, Pakistan retains the inherent right to self-defence and reserves the right to take all necessary measures, including the lawful use of force, to protect its national interests and maritime assets.

Reaffirming Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia, the FO said Pakistan remains committed to the kingdom’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity.

Pakistan’s support for de-escalation in the region was also reiterated, urging all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, respect international law and ensure the safety of international shipping and global maritime trade.