Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Houthi militia attacks on Saudi oil tankers during a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman [1, 2].
This diplomatic gesture underscores the strategic security partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh at a time of heightened tension in the Red Sea. The attacks threaten the stability of global energy markets and the safety of international shipping lanes.
During the conversation, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's full backing for Saudi security measures [1, 2]. He said that the Houthi actions endangered regional shipping and threatened the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea [1, 2]. The prime minister said that such disruptions to maritime security are unacceptable for the region's stability.
The Red Sea shipping lane serves as a critical artery for global trade, particularly for oil exports from the Gulf. Attacks by the Houthi militia on these tankers create significant risks for commercial vessels and increase insurance costs for shipping companies.
Sharif's call signals a commitment to maintain a strong alliance with Saudi Arabia despite the volatile geopolitical climate in the Middle East [1, 2]. By publicly backing the Crown Prince, Pakistan aims to position itself as a stabilizing force in the region.
The Saudi government has previously called for international cooperation to curb the activities of the Houthi militia. Pakistan's reaffirmation of support comes as Riyadh seeks to secure its borders and maritime interests against ongoing threats from the militia [1, 2].
“Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Houthi militia attacks on Saudi oil tankers”
This communication reinforces the long-standing security interdependence between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. By condemning the Houthi attacks, Pakistan is aligning itself with the Saudi effort to maintain the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, which is vital for the economic stability of both nations and the global energy supply chain.
