Says threats challenge rules-based maritime order and jeopardise uninterrupted flow of global commerce
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 jeopardise global commerce and regional security, in a statement released by the Foreign Office (FO).
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said on Monday they were imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, a move that threatens to escalate the conflict in the region and disrupt global energy supply and trade beyond the Gulf.
The Houthis' armed forces, in a statement, said they were declaring "a maritime embargo against the criminal Saudi enemy, based on the equation of 'an eye for an eye', effective immediately". 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 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 jeopardise uninterrupted flow of global commerce."
The FO said, "threats against commercial shipping and trading 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 directed against vessels engaged in lawful commercial trade with the Kingdom."
Reaffirming its position on protecting its maritime interests, the FO said, "Pakistan reaffirms that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or Pakistani maritime interests will be regarded as a grave threat to Pakistan's national security and sovereign interests."
Read: Yemen's Houthis declare naval blockade against Saudi Arabia
The statement added that, "consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, Pakistan reserves its right to take all necessary measures, including lawful use of force, in the exercise of self-defence 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 over 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 adherence to international law, the statement said, "While remaining steadfast in its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and regional de-escalation, Pakistan calls upon all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety and security of international maritime shipping."
The full 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 lowered global supply by 10%.
"The question now is whether they will begin targeting vessels heading to Saudi ports. At this stage, there’s 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 for Saudi ports. Whether the Houthis move from threats to direct action remains the critical issue," he said.
The group fired missiles at Saudi Arabia last week after accusing the kingdom of bombing an airport under its control, piercing a four-year truce in the conflict between the kingdom and the Iran-aligned group.