Effi Rajput

Pakistan says it 'reserves right' to use force in response to threats by Yemen's Ansarallah against Saudi Arabia and maritime interests —— ▪️ Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated on Wednesday that Islamabad reserves the right under international law to take "all necessary measures, including the lawful use of force," should Pakistani-flagged vessels or Pakistan's maritime interests come under attack. ▪️ Andrabi strongly condemned continued threats by Yemen's Ansarallah movement against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and against Saudi Arabia, warning that such actions threaten regional security, undermine freedom of navigation, and jeopardize the uninterrupted flow of global commerce. ▪️ The Foreign Office said Pakistan is "particularly concerned" by reports of threats directed at vessels engaged in lawful commercial trade with Saudi Arabia, stressing that threats against shipping and trade with the kingdom are unacceptable and violate international law. ▪️ Pakistan further expressed deep concern over attempts to drag Saudi Arabia into the regional war, reiterating its "unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity" of the kingdom. ▪️ The statement comes amid the activation of the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement signed last year, under which an attack on either country is treated as an attack on both. ▪️ While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and regional de-escalation, Islamabad called on all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety and security of international maritime shipping.