By Junaid Qaiser
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came at a critical moment for the Middle East. The Houthi attack on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea has once again laid bare the delicate nature of regional security and underscored the increasing dangers facing one of the globe’s most vital maritime routes. Pakistan’s quick and clear condemnation of the attack reflects a long-held principle that has shaped Islamabad’s ties with Riyadh for many years.
The assault on commercial vessels in the Red Sea is about much more than just a localized security issue. It strikes at the core of international trade, the freedom of navigation, and the stability of global energy markets. The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait are essential gateways connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Any disruption in these waters has repercussions that ripple far beyond the region, impacting supply chains, shipping costs, and energy security worldwide.
Safe and uninterrupted maritime routes are the backbone of international commerce. When commercial shipping becomes a target, the fallout is felt not just by governments but also by everyday citizens, who face rising prices and economic uncertainty. It’s a shared responsibility among nations to protect these routes, and any attempts to disrupt them threaten the very rules that keep global trade running smoothly. Prime Minister Shehbaz was absolutely right to label these attacks as unacceptable.
For Pakistan, the stakes are even higher. A large portion of the country’s trade and energy imports depends on maritime routes linked to the Red Sea. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait isn’t just a strategic chokepoint discussed in policy meetings; it’s a crucial artery for Pakistan’s economic interests. Any instability in these waters has a direct impact on the nation’s well-being.
This explains why Islamabad’s response has been notably stronger than that of many other non-Arab states. Pakistan did not limit itself to expressions of concern. Instead, it made clear that any hostile act against Pakistani vessels or maritime interests would be regarded as a serious threat to national security. Such language reflects a recognition that maritime security has become inseparable from economic security in the modern world.
Yet the significance of Pakistan’s position cannot be understood solely through the lens of trade and commerce. It is also rooted in the unique and enduring relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The ties between the two countries are not transactional; they are built on decades of mutual trust, strategic cooperation and genuine goodwill. Through times of crisis and stability alike, both nations have consistently stood by one another.
The conversation between PM Shehbaz and Crown Prince MbS underscored this reality. By reaffirming that Pakistan’s political and miitary leadership stands firmly with Saudi Arabia, the prime minister was expressing a sentiment shared by many Pakistanis. The Kingdom occupies a special place in Pakistan’s foreign policy, and its security has long been viewed as closely linked with Pakistan’s own strategic interests.
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in 2025 has further strengthened this partnership. The agreement institutionalised what had already existed in practice: a shared commitment to each other’s security and stability. Such arrangements are not designed to encourage confrontation but to deter aggression and preserve peace through solidarity.
Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia should not be interpreted as a call for escalation. Islamabad has consistently advocated dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes. It has often sought to play a constructive role in reducing tensions across the Muslim world and beyond. Supporting a close ally while promoting regional stability are not mutually exclusive objectives; they are complementary ones.
The current crisis also serves as a reminder that attacks on maritime commerce rarely remain isolated events. History shows that instability in strategic waterways quickly becomes a global concern. Markets react, shipping routes change and economic uncertainty spreads. The international community therefore has a collective interest in ensuring that vital sea lanes remain open and secure.
At the same time, there is a broader lesson for the region. Lasting peace cannot be achieved through threats to commercial shipping or attempts to weaponise strategic waterways. Such actions ultimately harm regional economies, undermine investor confidence and increase the risk of wider conflict. The path to stability lies in diplomacy, restraint and respect for international law.
Pakistan’s response to the Red Sea crisis reflects both principle and pragmatism. It supports freedom of navigation, defends international law and protects vital national interests. But above all, it reaffirms an enduring commitment to a brotherly nation that has stood alongside Pakistan for generations.
In the final analysis, Islamabad’s message is clear. Pakistan seeks peace, stability and dialogue, but it will not remain indifferent when the security of Saudi Arabia is threatened. The bond between the two countries is rooted in history, strengthened by shared interests and reinforced by mutual trust. Standing firm with Saudi Arabia is therefore not merely a diplomatic choice for Pakistan; it is a reflection of a partnership that has weathered decades of regional challenges and remains as important today as ever.
