ISLAMABAD: Three Pakistani nationals have been killed and another injured in a Houthi attack on a commercial ship in the Red Sea, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday.
Dar condemned the attack, describing the targeting of a non-combatant commercial vessel as a violation of international law and a serious threat to maritime security, freedom of navigation and international trade.
He said Pakistan was coordinating with Saudi authorities and Yemen’s internationally recognised government to determine the circumstances of the incident.
The deputy prime minister also directed the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh to work with relevant authorities to facilitate the recovery and repatriation of the victims’ remains and ensure all possible assistance for the injured Pakistani national.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern over Houthi threats and attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea. In July, Islamabad warned that such actions could undermine maritime security and disrupt global trade.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had subsequently reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring the uninterrupted movement of lawful maritime commerce through the Red Sea.
The latest incident comes after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, under which an armed attack against one member is treated as an attack against all three. Dar has stressed that the agreement is defensive and intended to support regional peace and stability.
The attack also coincides with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s visit to Iran, where he held meetings with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts amid escalating regional tensions.
Pakistan and Qatar have been involved in diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the wider Middle East conflict.
During his meeting with the Iranian president, Naqvi conveyed messages from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to sources.
The latest attacks on maritime routes come as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea remain high. While Iran has maintained its position on the strait, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said recent developments suggested Washington and Tehran could be moving toward an understanding.
Qatar has also indicated that discussions concerning the Strait of Hormuz have reached an advanced stage, keeping diplomatic efforts alive despite continued attacks on shipping.
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