ISLAMABAD, Aug 12: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday strongly condemned the Houthi attack on a non-combatant commercial vessel in the Red Sea, in which three Pakistani nationals have lost their lives and one has sustained injuries.

“I have learnt with deep concern about the unfortunate incident involving an attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea…Pakistan strongly condemns the Houthi attack on a non-combatant commercial vessel,” Deputy Prime Minister Dar wrote on his X timeline, extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

He said that such attacks endangered innocent lives, constituted a violation of international law, and posed a serious threat to freedom of navigation, maritime security, and the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

He said that the Government of Pakistan was in contact with the relevant Saudi authorities and the internationally recognised Government of Yemen to ascertain further details of the incident and its circumstances.

He directed Pakistan’s Embassy in Riyadh to coordinate with the relevant authorities immediately, and to strongly pursue all necessary measures for the retrieval and repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Pakistani nationals and for the provision of all possible assistance to the injured Pakistani national.

“We are closely following the situation and will continue to remain in close contact with the concerned authorities,” Deputy Prime Minister Dar added.