Pakistan condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia at UN, calls for urgent de-escalation

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, urging the council to swiftly de-escalate tensions and support a UN-led political resolution. "Pakistan condemns, in the strongest terms, all Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Ambassador Ahmad stated, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security, and prosperity.

Speaking at a UN Security Council emergency session on Yemen, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing for Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its territory, citizens, and assets in line with international law. Ahmad expressed concern over the Houthi attacks expanding to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning that the critical maritime route was facing a serious escalation.

He emphasized that such violations of international law against shipping would endanger global trade, energy security, and commercial navigation. "Any attempt to threaten, obstruct, or weaponize the crucial waterways will have consequences for international trade and commercial shipping, global supply chains, and energy security," he cautioned.

The council meeting, held in rapid succession, highlighted the deteriorating situation in Yemen, with the relative peace maintained since 2022 now shattered. Ahmad stressed that continued escalation risks reigniting a full-scale conflict, plunging Yemen deeper into regional turmoil. Pakistan called for diplomacy to match the crisis’s gravity, advocating for an inclusive Yemen-led political process under UN supervision.

Pakistan pledged continued support for de-escalation efforts, dialogue, and a comprehensive political settlement to achieve lasting peace and stability in Yemen and the broader region.