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Pakistan has warned that any hostile act against its vessels or maritime interests in the Red Sea would be treated as an attack on the country, vowing a swift response. The warning came as Islamabad condemned threats by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the region.

In a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that any attack against Pakistani-flagged vessels or commercial ships belonging to the country "will be treated as an attack against Pakistan and will be swiftly retaliated" against, as reported by The Hindu. He described such acts as "grave threats" to national security, adding that Pakistan would act "in the exercise of self-defence."

The statement followed an earlier announcement by the Houthis of a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, vowing to block Saudi vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait in retaliation for what they described as Riyadh's blockade of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

Coverage Comparison

Multiple reports have detailed Pakistan's response to the escalating situation in the Red Sea. Dawn reported that the Foreign Office "unequivocally" condemned the threats issued by Houthis against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping, stating that such actions "threaten regional security, undermine freedom of navigation, challenge the rules-based maritime order and jeopardise uninterrupted flow of global commerce."

The same report quoted the Foreign Office as declaring 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," reserving the right to take "all necessary measures, including lawful use of force, in the exercise of self-defence."

Another Dawn article added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reassured Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Pakistan's full support, condemning the Houthi attacks on oil tankers. It also noted that Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan's armed forces would remain vigilant in the Bab el-Mandab area, with the determination of what constitutes a threat or an attack being a technical assessment by the military.

Deutsche Welle provided a broader analytical perspective, describing Pakistan's position as a "tightrope" between its relationships with Saudi Arabia and Iran. It noted that Pakistan has a mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, signed last September, containing a "collective security" clause. Analysts were quoted as believing that Pakistan's contribution to supporting Saudi Arabia would likely focus on protecting Saudi interests rather than joining offensive operations.

The Hindu also reported on the defence agreement and Pakistan's commitment to implementing all bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia, including those on mutual defence.

Key Claims

  • Pakistan condemned the continued threat by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, as reported by Dawn and The Hindu.
  • Pakistan vowed swift retaliation to any hostile act against vessels carrying its flag or maritime interests in the Red Sea, according to The Hindu and Dawn.
  • Pakistan has a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, with a clause that an attack on one country is considered an attack on both. This was reported by Deutsche Welle and The Hindu.
  • Pakistan is committed to implementing all bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia, including agreements on mutual defence, as stated by the Foreign Office spokesperson and reported by The Hindu.
  • Pakistan has ties with Iran and has been a key mediator between Tehran and Washington, as reported by Deutsche Welle.
  • Analysts believe Pakistan's contribution to supporting Saudi Arabia would likely focus on protecting Saudi interests rather than joining offensive operations, according to Deutsche Welle.
  • Pakistan warned Yemen's Houthi rebels that any attack on its maritime interests would be treated as an attack on the country, as reported by Dawn.
  • Pakistan reassured Saudi Arabia of its support and pledged to work with Riyadh to ensure the uninterrupted flow of ships through the Bab el-Mandab chokepoint, according to Dawn.

Perspectives

Pakistan's Foreign Office: Views Houthi threats as unacceptable and a violation of international law, emphasizing national security and the right to self-defense. The office reiterated unwavering support for Saudi Arabia and commitment to bilateral defence agreements.

Houthi rebels: Announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, vowing to block Saudi vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait in retaliation for Riyadh's alleged blockade of Houthi-controlled areas.

Analysts (as cited by Deutsche Welle): Suggest Pakistan's role is likely to be defensive, focusing on protecting Saudi interests rather than engaging in offensive operations, given its delicate balancing act between Saudi Arabia and Iran.