ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday condemned attacks carried out by the Houthi militia against Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea during a telephone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and assured Riyadh of Pakistan’s full support.
“The prime minister expressed Pakistan’s condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of the dastardly attacks carried out by the Houthi militia against Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, saying that such actions were totally unacceptable, constitute a clear violation of international law, threaten freedom of navigation and commercial shipping, and undermine regional peace, security, and stability,” said a statement issued by Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The statement came hours after Houthis struck two Saudi oil tankers as part of what the group described as a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The Houthis control areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The group has announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, a move some analysts have described as an attempt to increase pressure amid wider regional tensions.
The PMO statement further said that PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and stated that “he, along with Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and the entire Pakistani nation, stands firmly and resolutely with the Saudi leadership and brotherly people of the Kingdom at this critical time.”
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity.
According to the PMO, the crown prince appreciated Pakistan’s steadfast support and the close fraternal ties between the two countries.
“Availing himself of the opportunity, the prime minister conveyed his warm regards and best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” the statement added.
