Pakistan invokes regional pact to warn Houthis against attacks

Pakistan has issued a stern warning to Yemen's Houthi movement, invoking a collective defense pact that binds several Muslim-majority nations in South and Southeast Asia. The statement signals Islamabad's readiness to respond to any aggression against signatories of the agreement, which includes provisions for mutual defense and security cooperation.

The warning appears calibrated to deter further hostile actions by the Iran-backed militant group, which has conducted numerous attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. Pakistan, as a maritime nation with significant commercial interests in these waters, has expressed growing concern over the disruption to regional trade and shipping routes.

The invocation of the regional security pact underscores Pakistan's commitment to maintaining stability in critical waterways that handle substantial volumes of international commerce. Officials emphasized that any aggression targeting member states would be viewed as a collective threat requiring coordinated response.

The escalation reflects broader regional tensions as multiple nations grapple with ensuring safe passage through vital sea lanes. Pakistan's statement is expected to carry weight given its military capabilities and strategic position in South Asia, potentially influencing the calculus of other regional players monitoring developments in the Arabian Sea and beyond.