Three Pakistanis Killed in Houthi Attack on Commercial Vessel in Red Sea

At least three Pakistani nationals were killed and another injured after a Houthi attack targeted a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Wednesday.

The incident comes as Pakistan continues its diplomatic efforts to help reduce escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Dar strongly condemned the attack, stressing that targeting a non-combatant commercial vessel puts innocent lives at risk and violates international law. He also warned that such incidents threaten freedom of navigation, maritime security and the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

The deputy prime minister said the Pakistani government was in contact with relevant Saudi authorities and Yemen’s internationally recognised government to gather further information about the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.Pakistan Steps Up Efforts to Assist Citizens Killed in Red Sea Attack

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he had directed the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh to coordinate with the relevant authorities and take all necessary steps to bring back the remains of the Pakistanis killed in the Red Sea attack.

He also instructed the embassy to ensure all possible assistance is provided to the Pakistani national who was injured in the incident. Dar said the government was closely monitoring developments and would remain in contact with the concerned authorities.

The latest attack comes amid Pakistan’s continued calls for an end to Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. On July 22, the Foreign Office warned that such threats endangered regional security, freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted flow of global trade.

A day later, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to maintain close coordination to promote regional peace and security and ensure the continued flow of lawful maritime commerce through the Red Sea. The understanding followed a phone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, during which Sharif strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye later signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, creating a collective security framework under which an armed attack against one member would be treated as an attack against all three. Dar has described the agreement as defensive in nature, aimed at supporting peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

The latest incident also occurred as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Iran, where he met President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions.

Pakistan and Qatar have been involved in diplomatic efforts to mediate the wider Middle East conflict, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28.

During his meeting with Pezeshkian, Naqvi delivered a special message from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. Sources said the Pakistani minister also briefed the Iranian president on the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

Meanwhile, the regional situation remained tense, with the United States and Houthis reporting separate attacks on shipping on Tuesday. The developments came as efforts to end the conflict faced renewed uncertainty, while Tehran maintained that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed unless Washington accepted its conditions.

Despite the escalating tensions, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the United States and Iran were close to reaching “some sort” of agreement. Qatar also indicated that discussions regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz had reached an advanced stage.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has strongly condemned the attack on a non-combatant vessel, stating that such actions constitute a violation of international law.

Dar expressed concern over the incident and stressed the importance of protecting civilian and non-combatant vessels in accordance with international legal obligations.

He called for respect for international law and urged all parties to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions and threaten maritime security.