ISLAMABAD: Pakistan condemned Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea on Wednesday. It also warned that any attack on Pakistani-flagged vessels would pose a grave national-security threat.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the threats endangered regional security and undermined freedom of navigation. Furthermore, they jeopardised the uninterrupted flow of global trade. The official statement was issued on July 22, 2026.
The Foreign Office said threats against vessels engaged in lawful trade with Saudi Arabia violated established principles of international law. In addition, they challenged the rules-based maritime order.
Pakistan said it reserved the right to take all necessary measures, including the lawful use of force in self-defence. It stated that these actions would protect its maritime assets and sovereign interests under the United Nations Charter and international law.
Islamabad also expressed concern over efforts to draw Saudi Arabia further into the Middle East conflict. It reaffirmed support for the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity.
The statement followed Houthi threats against vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Saudi-led coalition forces said on July 20 that they had introduced measures to protect commercial vessels using the strategic waterway.
Read: Pakistan Warns Iran: Houthis’ Attacks on Saudi Arabia a Red Line
Pakistan called on all parties to respect international law, protect international maritime shipping and pursue dialogue, diplomacy and regional de-escalation
