Lack of naval capability leaves Pakistan vulnerable in Bab al‑Mandeb

Protecting the Bab al‑Mandeb corridor traditionally falls to multinational naval coalitions. Pakistan, despite its heavy economic dependence on the route, lacks the modern warships, missile‑intercept systems, and rapid‑response crews required to counter the new Houthi threats. Consequently, the country bears the financial risk without the means to mitigate it, exposing its maritime trade to unpredictable disruptions.