Says threats challenge rules-based maritime order and endanger uninterrupted flow of global trade
Pakistan on Wednesday “unequivocally” condemned the continued threats launched by the Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, warning that such actions endanger global trade and regional security, in a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO).
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said on Monday they were imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, a move that threatens to escalate conflict in the region and disrupt global energy supplies and trade beyond the Gulf.
The Houthi armed forces, in a statement, said they were declaring “a maritime embargo against the criminal Saudi enemy, based on the ‘eye for an eye’ equation, with immediate effect.” They said the decision was in response to what they called “an unjust and oppressive siege” imposed on Yemen by the Saudis.
According to the FO, “Pakistan unequivocally condemns the Houthi militias’ continued threats against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea.”
It said such actions “threaten regional security, undermine freedom of navigation, challenge the rules-based maritime order and endanger the uninterrupted flow of global trade.”
The FO said that “threats against shipping and trade with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are unacceptable and violate established principles of international law.”
He added that Pakistan was “particularly concerned by reports of threats directed against vessels carrying out legal commercial activities with the Kingdom.”
Reaffirming its position on protecting its maritime interests, the FO said: “Pakistan reaffirms that any hostile act against Pakistani flag vessels or Pakistani maritime interests will be considered as a serious threat to the national security and sovereign interests of Pakistan.”
Read: Yemen’s Houthis declare naval blockade against Saudi Arabia
The statement added that, “in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law, Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures, including the legitimate use of force, in the exercise of self-defense to protect its maritime assets and national interests.”
The FO also expressed concern over attempts to widen the regional conflict, saying, “Pakistan is also deeply concerned about attempts to drag the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into the conflict in the Middle East and reiterates its unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Calling for restraint and compliance with international law, the statement said: “While remaining steadfast in its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and the reduction of regional tensions, Pakistan calls on all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety of international shipping.”
Complete closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the southern gateway to the Red Sea, would halt Saudi oil exports to Asia and could reduce global oil supply by 7%.
The Iran war has already reduced global supply by 10%.
“The question now is whether they will start attacking ships heading to Saudi ports. Right now, there is no clear answer,” said Mohammed Albasha, a Yemeni analyst and founder of Basha Report, a Washington-based risk advisory firm.
“Even if no ships are attacked, the announcement alone is likely to disrupt shipping and create uncertainty in Saudi ports. The critical question remains whether the Houthis move from threats to direct action,” he said.
The group fired missiles at Saudi Arabia last week after accusing the kingdom of bombing an airport under its control, breaking a four-year truce in the conflict between the kingdom and the Iran-aligned group.
