FO spokesperson said that Pakistan was deeply concerned over attempts to drag the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into the conflict in the Middle East and reiterated its unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan reserves right to use force to counter Houthi maritime threats: FO
ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP): Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned continued threats by Houthi militia against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, warning that it reserved the right under international law to use necessary force to protect its maritime interests from any hostile acts.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, in a statement, reaffirmed that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or Pakistani maritime interests would be regarded as a grave threat to Pakistan’s national security and sovereign interests.
“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,” he remarked.
He highlighted Pakistan’s unequivocal condemnation of the continued threats issued by the Houthis militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Such actions threaten regional security, undermine freedom of navigation, challenge the rules-based maritime order and jeopardise uninterrupted flow of global commerce, he added.
“Threats against commercial shipping and trading with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are unacceptable and violate established principles of international law. Pakistan is particularly concerned by reports of threats directed against vessels engaged in lawful commercial trade with the Kingdom,” the spokesperson remarked.
He said that Pakistan was deeply concerned over attempts to drag the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into the conflict in the Middle East and reiterated its unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“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,” Spokesperson Andrabi added.
