Pakistan has expressed concerns over the situation in Bab al-Mandab — one of the busiest and most contested global maritime chokepoints,
Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said during his weekly briefing that Pakistan remained committed “in intent and spirit” to implementing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia and the trilateral Makkah Defence Alliance.
Houthis last week seized effective control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline, including the historic port of Mocha, and Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab, or “Gate of Tears” strait, at the sea’s mouth.
“The situation in Bab al-Mandab is a matter of serious concern, said Foreign Office Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan at a weekly press briefing on Thursday.
The spokesperson urged Yemen’s Houthis to stop their “activities”, stressing the need for bringing peace to the entire region.
He said Pakistan’s discussions with relevant stakeholders “revolves around brining peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy and not through coercive measures”.
