After death of 3 Pakistani sailors, FO says Islamabad will implement maritime coalition 'in full earnest'

The Foreign Office (FO) declared on Wednesday that Pakistan, as a signatory to the recently approved maritime defense coalition, would adhere to its commitments "in full earnest" following the loss of three Pakistani sailors in Houthi attacks on a Saudi cargo vessel on Tuesday. Last month, Saudi Arabia announced plans for a coalition to safeguard shipping and energy supply routes in the Red Sea region, with 14 countries, including Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt, endorsing the initiative in a joint declaration.

At a weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed Pakistan's role in the coalition and affirmed that the nation would implement its obligations with "full earnest." Andrabi also stated that Pakistan was coordinating with Saudi authorities to finalize specifics of the agreement. The FO's briefing touched upon Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's visit to Iran, aimed at discussing bilateral relations, security matters, and regional developments, particularly efforts to promote peace, stability, and constructive engagement among regional parties.

Naqvi met with Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan is actively engaged in sincerity efforts with "brotherly states" to bring the US and Iran to the negotiating table, as outlined in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which seeks to foster peace and stability in the region.