Islamabad seeks details of the attack and directs its Riyadh embassy to facilitate repatriation of the deceased and support the injured Pakistani national.
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday strongly condemned the Houthi attack on a non-combatant commercial vessel in the Red Sea that resulted in the deaths of three Pakistani nationals, while another Pakistani national was injured.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, Dar extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Pakistani nationals.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the Houthi attack on a non-combatant commercial vessel,” Dar said, stressing that such attacks endanger innocent lives and constitute a violation of international law.
Pakistan raises concerns over maritime security
The Deputy Prime Minister said the attack posed a serious threat to freedom of navigation, maritime security and the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
He said the Pakistani government was in contact with the relevant Saudi authorities and the internationally recognised Government of Yemen to obtain further details about the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The development comes amid continued security concerns affecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea, a strategically important maritime route for global trade.
Embassy directed to assist victims
Dar directed Pakistan’s Embassy in Riyadh to immediately coordinate with the relevant authorities and take all necessary measures for the retrieval and repatriation of the mortal remains of the three deceased Pakistani nationals.
The embassy was also instructed to ensure that all possible assistance is provided to the Pakistani national who sustained injuries in the attack.
“We are closely following the situation and will continue to remain in close contact with the concerned authorities,” Dar said.
The Pakistani government is continuing efforts to establish further details of the incident, facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and provide assistance to the injured national.