ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has strongly condemned the Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, in which three Pakistani nationals were reportedly killed and another Pakistani citizen was injured.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Ishaq Dar said that the attack on the commercial vessel was highly condemnable and posed a serious threat to innocent human lives as well as maritime security.
According to the foreign minister, three Pakistani citizens lost their lives while another sustained injuries in the attack. He said Pakistan was taking the incident seriously and was making efforts to obtain further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Ishaq Dar said that the Pakistani authorities were in contact with the relevant Saudi authorities and the government of Yemen to gather more information about the incident and determine the exact circumstances of the attack.
He directed the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies of the deceased Pakistani citizens and to ensure that the injured Pakistani national receives all possible medical assistance.
The foreign minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the government was taking all necessary measures to provide assistance to the affected Pakistani nationals.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing security risks facing commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
The Foreign Office also strongly condemned the attack. In a statement, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hassan Andrabi described the Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as deeply regrettable.
The spokesperson said that the attack had further increased risks to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. He added that the Government of Pakistan was closely monitoring the situation and remained concerned about the safety of commercial vessels and their crews operating in international waters.
Pakistan, he said, supported freedom of navigation in international waters and believed that commercial vessels should be able to operate safely without being subjected to attacks or threats.
The Foreign Office spokesperson further stated that Pakistan was part of the maritime security coalition established under Saudi leadership. Islamabad, he said, was prepared to fulfill its responsibilities in contributing to safe navigation and maritime security in international waters.
The Red Sea has become an increasingly sensitive maritime security zone because of attacks and threats against commercial vessels. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is particularly important because it connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a major route for international trade.
Any disruption to shipping in the area can have wider consequences for global trade, supply chains and transportation costs. Attacks on commercial vessels also place the lives of sailors and crew members from different countries at significant risk.
The reported deaths of three Pakistani nationals have added a direct human dimension to the latest incident for Pakistan. The government is now coordinating with authorities in the region to verify further details, assist the injured citizen and facilitate the return of the deceased to Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that attacks of this nature are a serious threat not only to innocent people but also to maritime security. Pakistan’s position, according to the Foreign Office, remains focused on protecting freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of international shipping.
The government has instructed its diplomatic mission in Riyadh to provide necessary assistance to the affected Pakistani citizens and their families. Officials are also maintaining contact with Saudi and Yemeni authorities as investigations and efforts to establish the full details of the incident continue.
Pakistan’s participation in regional maritime security efforts reflects its stated commitment to maintaining secure international sea routes. The country has repeatedly emphasized the importance of international cooperation to protect commercial shipping and prevent further escalation of maritime tensions.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan would continue to monitor developments closely and remain engaged with relevant international and regional authorities.
The latest incident is likely to reinforce concerns among shipping companies and maritime authorities over the security situation in the Red Sea. With international vessels continuing to face risks in the region, calls for greater maritime security and protection of civilian shipping are expected to intensify.
For Pakistan, the immediate priority remains the welfare of its nationals affected by the attack. The government is working to provide medical assistance to the injured citizen and arrange the repatriation of the bodies of the three deceased Pakistanis.
Officials have reiterated that attacks on commercial vessels and innocent crew members are unacceptable and pose a serious challenge to international maritime security. Pakistan has reaffirmed its support for safe and unrestricted navigation in international waters and its willingness to fulfill its responsibilities toward ensuring maritime safety.
The incident has therefore prompted both diplomatic condemnation and immediate humanitarian efforts by Pakistan, while highlighting the broader security challenges facing commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
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