ISLAMABAD: At least three Pakistani nationals have been killed and another injured in a Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Wednesday.
Dar strongly condemned the attack, saying that targeting a non-combatant commercial vessel endangers innocent lives and violates international law.
Ishaq Dar Condemns Houthi Attack
In a post on X, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan strongly condemned the Houthi attack on the commercial vessel.
He said such attacks threaten innocent lives and pose a serious risk to freedom of navigation, maritime security and the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
The deputy prime minister said the Pakistani government was in contact with relevant Saudi authorities and Yemen’s internationally recognised government to obtain further details about the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Dar also directed the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh to coordinate with the concerned authorities and take all necessary steps to bring the bodies of the deceased Pakistanis back home.
The embassy has also been instructed to provide all possible assistance to the Pakistani national who was injured in the attack.
Pakistan Had Earlier Raised Concerns
Pakistan had also condemned threats issued by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea last month.
In a statement issued on July 22, the Foreign Office said such threats undermined freedom of navigation, challenged the rules-based maritime order and endangered the uninterrupted flow of global commerce.
A day later, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to continue working closely to maintain regional peace and security and ensure the uninterrupted flow of lawful maritime trade through the Red Sea.
The understanding followed a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
During the conversation, Shehbaz strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers operating in the Red Sea.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye Sign Defence Pact
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye later signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, establishing a collective security framework under which an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all three countries.
Dar has stressed that the agreement is defensive in nature and aims to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the wider region.
Houthis Target Red Sea Shipping as US Strikes Iran for 12th Consecutive Night
Pakistan Steps Up Diplomatic Efforts
The latest attack comes as Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently visited Iran, where he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to sources, Naqvi conveyed a special message from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to the Iranian president.
Sources said Naqvi also briefed Pezeshkian about the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.
Pakistan and Qatar have been involved in diplomatic efforts to help resolve the wider Middle East conflict. However, recent developments in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz have complicated the situation.
Tensions Continue Around Key Shipping Routes
The United States and the Houthis reported separate attacks on shipping on Tuesday, while Iran reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed unless Washington accepted its conditions.
The Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are strategically important waterways for global trade and energy supplies. Any prolonged disruption could affect oil shipments, shipping costs and international markets.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said Tuesday that the United States and Iran appeared to be moving closer to some form of agreement.
Speaking to Bloomberg News, Asif said developments over the previous two to three days indicated that the sides were approaching a possible peace arrangement or deal.
Despite those diplomatic signals, the latest attack in the Red Sea highlights the continuing security risks facing commercial shipping and underscores the fragile nature of the situation across the region.
