Says threats challenge the rules-based maritime order and endanger the uninterrupted flow of global trade
Pakistan on Wednesday “unequivocally” condemned the continued threats issued 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 (MOF).
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said Monday they were imposing a naval blockade of 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 said in a statement that they are 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 a response to what they called “an unjust and oppressive siege” imposed on Yemen by the Saudis.
According to the FO, “Pakistan unequivocally condemns the continued threats issued by the Houthi militia 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, “threats against commercial shipping and trade with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are unacceptable and violate established principles of international law.”
It added that Pakistan was “particularly concerned by reports of threats targeting ships engaged in legitimate commercial trade with the Kingdom.”
Reaffirming its stand to protect its maritime interests, the FO said, “Pakistan reaffirms that any hostile act against Pakistan’s flag or Pakistan’s maritime interests will be considered a serious threat to Pakistan’s national security and sovereign interests.”
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 lawful 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 fraternal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Calling for restraint and adherence to international law, the statement said: “While Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and regional de-escalation, Pakistan calls on all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety and security of international shipping.”
The 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 supplies by 7%.
The Iran war has already reduced global supply by 10%.
“The question now is whether they will start targeting ships bound for Saudi ports. At this point there is no clear answer,” said Mohammed Albasha, a Yemeni analyst and founder of the 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 for Saudi ports. Whether the Houthis move from threats to direct action remains the critical question,” he said.
The group fired missiles at Saudi Arabia last week after accusing the kingdom of bombing an airport under its control, puncturing a four-year ceasefire in the conflict between the kingdom and the Iran-aligned group.
