Pakistan Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia at UN Security Council
NEW YORK:Pakistan’s newly appointed Foreign Secretary Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has strongly condemned all Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Islamabad’s support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
Addressing an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Yemen, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the deteriorating situation in Yemen had entered an extremely dangerous phase and required immediate action.
He said Pakistan condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia in the strongest terms, warning that the attacks posed serious risks to regional peace and stability.
The foreign secretary also cautioned that continued Houthi attacks could have serious implications for the global economy and energy security. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, as well as its legitimate right to self-defence.
Asim Iftikhar said the expansion of Houthi attacks around the Bab al-Mandab Strait was a major cause of concern. He described attacks targeting commercial shipping as a growing threat to freedom of navigation and international maritime trade.
He warned that putting key maritime routes at risk or using them as a weapon could have serious consequences for global trade and energy security.
The foreign secretary noted that the relatively calm situation that had prevailed in Yemen since 2022 had unfortunately come to an end. He said continued tensions were increasing the risk of a return to full-scale conflict, while the current situation was further complicating Yemen’s already severe humanitarian crisis.
Given the seriousness of the crisis, Asim Iftikhar called for an immediate intensification of diplomatic efforts.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for the restoration of a comprehensive, Yemeni-led political process under United Nations auspices. Pakistan, he said, would continue to support sincere efforts aimed at de-escalation, dialogue and a political settlement in Yemen.
According to the foreign secretary, an inclusive political settlement in Yemen could provide the foundation for lasting peace and greater regional stability.
