The Foreign Office said that any attack on Pakistani-flagged vessels or the country’s maritime interests would be considered a serious threat to national security.

Pakistan Concerned Over Red Sea Security Situation

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, during his weekly media briefing, said threats by the Houthis to impose a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea were highly concerning.

He said Pakistan has repeatedly made it clear that such actions pose a threat to regional peace, freedom of navigation, and international trade.

The spokesperson added that Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures under international law to protect its maritime interests.

Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia’s Sovereignty

Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan is deeply concerned over attempts by certain groups to involve Saudi Arabia in wider Middle Eastern conflicts.

He recalled that after recent attacks by armed groups from Yemen, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had warned that such actions could further damage regional peace and stability.

The spokesperson said Pakistan continues to urge all parties to show restraint and resolve disputes through diplomatic means.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Efforts to Reduce Regional Tensions

The Foreign Office said Pakistan is continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni recently visited Pakistan and held meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, senior officials, and the Chief of Army Staff.

The visit focused on regional security issues and strengthening coordination between Pakistan and Iran.

Ishaq Dar Holds Talks With Regional Counterparts

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Sabah on July 18.

The talks focused on the regional situation, efforts to reduce tensions, respect for sovereignty, and implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

During the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, Ishaq Dar also met Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

Discussions covered the Middle East situation, ceasefire efforts, international law, and measures for achieving long-term regional peace.

Oman appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role in promoting dialogue and reducing tensions.

Pakistan to Attend SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

The Foreign Office said Ishaq Dar has arrived in Kyrgyzstan to lead Pakistan’s delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.

During the visit, he is expected to meet the Kyrgyz President and hold bilateral discussions with foreign ministers from SCO member countries.

Meetings With Russia, Bangladesh, and Asian Development Bank Officials

The spokesperson said Ishaq Dar also met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, and officials from the Asian Development Bank during his visit to Manila.

The discussions focused on bilateral relations, trade, energy cooperation, regional connectivity, development projects, and investment opportunities in Pakistan.

Pakistan-China Strategic Partnership Discussed

Earlier, Ishaq Dar participated in the establishment ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization in Shanghai.

During his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, discussions were held on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), bilateral trade, regional connectivity, and the Pakistan-China strategic partnership.

Canada-Pakistan Relations Strengthened

The Foreign Office also highlighted the recent visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to Pakistan, describing it as the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades.

During the visit, both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, climate change, and bilateral relations. A key protocol related to the import of genetically modified canola was also signed between Pakistan and Canada.