Pakistan condemned threats by Yemen's Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea on Wednesday.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said any attack on Pakistani-flagged vessels or the country's maritime interests would be treated as a grave threat to its national security.
Why did Pakistan condemn the Houthi threats?
Pakistan condemned the Houthi threats because it said they undermined regional security, endangered freedom of navigation and threatened the uninterrupted flow of global commerce.
The group had warned shipping companies against loading or unloading cargo at Saudi ports, saying such vessels could be targeted. The Houthis also announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, opening a potential new front in regional tensions.
What did the Houthis threaten against Saudi Arabia?
The Houthis warned shipping companies this week against handling cargo at Saudi ports and said vessels involved could be targeted.
The group also announced a maritime blockade on the kingdom, raising concerns over global energy supplies and maritime trade. Saudi Arabia rejected the Houthis' accusations that it was besieging the Yemeni people and condemned the blockade announcement.
How has Pakistan responded to the threat against its ships?
Pakistan described threats against commercial vessels engaged in lawful trade with Saudi Arabia as unacceptable and contrary to international law. It said it was particularly concerned by reports that ships trading with the kingdom had been specifically threatened.
Pakistan added that any attack on its flagged vessels or maritime interests would prompt "all necessary measures" consistent with the United Nations Charter, including the lawful exercise of the right to self-defense.
What else did Pakistan say about the Saudi-Houthi tensions?
The Foreign Ministry expressed concern over what it described as attempts to draw Saudi Arabia into the wider Middle East conflict. It reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the kingdom's security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity.
Pakistan called on all parties to exercise restraint, respect international law and ensure the safety of international shipping, while reiterating support for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.
Why are the Houthis targeting Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping?
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's internationally recognized government since 2015.
The conflict has evolved into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Houthi attacks on shipping in and around the Red Sea have disrupted one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.
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