UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has strongly condemned continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed its support for the kingdom’s right to defend its territory and citizens.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Yemen on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the latest developments had brought the conflict to a dangerous point.
“Pakistan condemns, in the strongest terms, all Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Ahmad said the Houthi military escalation inside Yemen, attacks on Saudi Arabia and military developments along the Red Sea coast were contributing to the worsening situation.
The statement came amid renewed regional hostilities. Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy city.
The drone was intercepted on Tuesday evening. A spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen said it was the second Houthi attempt to target Makkah.
Houthi officials have denied targeting the holy city.
Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia’s Security
During his UNSC address, Ahmad recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The prime minister condemned the attacks and said they threatened regional peace and stability. He also warned of serious consequences for the global economy and energy security.
Ahmad said Pakistan would continue efforts at the highest levels to help reduce tensions and promote peace in the region.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity.
Islamabad also supports the kingdom’s “legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend” itself against threats, the ambassador said.
Growing Threat to Maritime Trade
Ahmad also expressed concern over the expansion of Houthi attacks in and around Bab al-Mandab, a key maritime corridor.
He said continued violations of international law involving commercial shipping posed a growing threat to freedom of navigation and international maritime trade.
According to the envoy, attempts to threaten or obstruct waterways could affect international trade, commercial shipping, global supply chains and energy security.
He also warned that the relative calm maintained in Yemen since 2022 had broken down.
Continued escalation, he said, could reignite a full-scale conflict and draw Yemen further into the wider regional confrontation.
“This must be prevented,” Ahmad said.
Pakistan Calls for Political Settlement
The ambassador also highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen.
He said the latest developments were adding to the suffering of the Yemeni people and further worsening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
Ahmad reiterated Pakistan’s support for an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under UN auspices.
Pakistan will continue supporting efforts aimed at de-escalation, dialogue and a comprehensive political settlement, he said.
Such efforts, he added, are needed to achieve lasting peace and stability in Yemen and the wider region.
