ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have pledged to strengthen coordination to promote regional peace, security, and the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Red Sea following recent Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers.
The commitment was made during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday. During the discussion, the Pakistani premier strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as a serious threat to regional stability and international maritime security.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes targeting two Saudi oil tankers Encelia and Layla in the Red Sea. The group also threatened to impose a blockade on Saudi ports along the strategic waterway, a vital route for global energy shipments.
Saudi authorities confirmed that the tanker Encelia had been struck, while they did not comment on reports involving the second vessel. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq was hit by an unidentified projectile, triggering a fire that the crew managed to combat.
The Houthi warning has heightened concerns over a broader escalation in regional tensions, particularly as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact international shipping. Analysts say any blockade of Saudi ports could further complicate oil exports and global trade.
During the call, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the attacks were unacceptable, violated international law, endangered freedom of navigation, and threatened peace across the region. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia, stating that he, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and the people of Pakistan stand firmly with the Kingdom during this challenging period.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and work together to ensure peace, stability, and the uninterrupted movement of lawful maritime trade through the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, and surrounding waterways.
A day earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office had also denounced the Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping, warning that such actions undermine the rules-based international maritime order and disrupt global commerce. The ministry described any threats against lawful trade and navigation as unacceptable and contrary to international law.
The statement followed the Houthis’ announcement of a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia. Earlier this month, Saudi air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi movement toward the Kingdom’s southern region, according to the Saudi-led military coalition, which accused the group of carrying out continued attacks against civilian and strategic targets.
