ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has condemned a Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea that killed three Pakistani nationals and injured another, with the Foreign Office (FO) saying Islamabad is coordinating with Saudi and Yemeni authorities to ascertain further details and facilitate the repatriation of the victims’ remains.

Addressing the weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi read out Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s statement condemning the attack, reiterating that Pakistan had strongly denounced the targeting of a non-combatant commercial vessel. He said Pakistan was part of a Saudi-led maritime security coalition and was prepared to fulfil its responsibilities to ensure safe navigation.

In a post on X, Dar said he had learnt of the incident with “deep concern” and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He said the attack endangered innocent lives, violated international law and posed a serious threat to freedom of navigation, maritime security and the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Dar said Pakistan was in contact with the relevant Saudi authorities and the internationally recognised government of Yemen to determine further details and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He added that he had directed the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh to coordinate with the relevant authorities and pursue the retrieval and repatriation of the deceased nationals’ remains, while ensuring all possible assistance for the injured Pakistani.

Meanwhile, speaking about the recent Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, Andrabi said that it is a significant development in the three countries’ relations, adding that the pact is defensive in nature and aimed at strengthening regional peace and security.

“The Makkah Agreement is purely defensive in nature,” Andrabi said, adding that it reflected the three countries’ commitment to regional peace and stability.

He said the agreement provided a clear framework for collective security, under which “an attack on one will be considered an attack on all.” Andrabi stressed that the pact was not limited to the three signatories and that efforts would continue to strengthen collective security within and beyond the region.

The spokesperson also rejected any suggestion of differences between the national leadership or state institutions over the agreement. He said the accord had been signed in accordance with all applicable rules and procedures and reflected the aspirations of the Pakistani people.

Islamabad continues Middle East diplomacy

Andrabi said Pakistan was continuing its efforts to help resolve the conflict in the Middle East and remained hopeful about progress through dialogue.

“We are neither disappointed by an increase in tensions nor unnecessarily optimistic when they decrease,” he said, adding that the parties had continued engaging in talks despite periods of heightened tensions.

He said Oman and Iran’s negotiations were being supported by Pakistan and other friendly countries. An agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz, he added, would be particularly significant.

“We expect direct negotiations to begin soon despite the difficulties,” Andrabi said. He described changes in Iran’s military leadership as an internal matter for Tehran.

Pakistan reiterates Kashmir stance

On Kashmir, Andrabi said Pakistan supported the full rights of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the rights of all Kashmiris, including their right to self-determination.

He said Islamabad maintained effective border controls along all its international frontiers. On Gaza, the spokesperson said remarks by the Israeli prime minister Netanyahu were a setback to efforts surrounding the proposed Board of Peace. He reiterated Pakistan’s position that an independent Palestinian state was in line with international law.

Pakistan, New Zealand expand cooperation

Andrabi said Pakistan and New Zealand had held political consultations and trade committee-level discussions, while the two countries had also signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in education.

On financial transparency, he said Pakistan was following international standards and had successfully completed three IMF programme reviews: “The IMF programme is about reforms and transparency.”

Regarding a proposed US-Saudi civilian nuclear deal, he said Pakistan was reviewing the agreement and respected Saudi Arabia’s right to pursue a civilian nuclear programme.