Pakistan ‘prefers dialogue over coercion’ to address Houthi threat
• FO terms situation around the Red Sea chokepoint ‘exceptionally serious’ • Says Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Riyadh ‘is operational’, some forces already deployed • Indicates openness to foreign-led mediation efforts with Kabul, provided Afghanistan makes requisite anti-terror commitments ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the “exceptionally serious” situation…
Islamabad expressed concern over the "exceptionally serious" situation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait on Thursday, reaffirming its commitments to Saudi Arabia's security, while stressing the need for a diplomatic resolution to the Houthi conflict in Yemen. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said the strategic waterway is a critical maritime chokepoint and that the conflict poses a threat to regional stability and maritime security.
He stated that Pakistan seeks an end to hostilities and not further military escalation, and that the Houthi group must stop their activities. Pakistan is committed to the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, but declined to disclose details of operational responses.
Khan also emphasized the need for Afghanistan to provide assurances that its territory will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan, recalling previous mediation efforts that failed due to Kabul's reluctance to cooperate.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Pakistan ‘prefers dialogue over coercion’ to address Houthi threat dawn.com
- Pakistan calls for implementing “Mecca Agreement” to safeguard Saudi security amid Houthi attacks egyptindependent.com
- Pakistan urges Iran to help end Houthi attacks on Saudi oil sites dailytimes.com.pk
- Oil prices fall as Saudi supply hopes outweigh fresh Houthi strikes cnbc.com
