Pakistan ‘prefers dialogue over coercion’ to address Houthi threat

Pakistan voiced concern over the "exceptionally serious" situation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia's security, but insisted that the Houthi conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, not coercion. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan expressed worry about the intensifying conflict and its threat to regional stability and maritime security.

He highlighted that the Houthi group's recent missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory and gains along Yemen's Red Sea coast were of great concern. Khan emphasized that Pakistan's stance is to seek an end to hostilities, stating that the Houthis must also stop their activities. He reiterated that discussions revolve around bringing peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy, not through coercive measures.

This approach is particularly relevant given Pakistan's growing defense commitments to Saudi Arabia, including the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) and the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Khan reiterated Pakistan's commitment to both agreements, though declined to disclose operational details. He also emphasized the need for Afghanistan to provide verifiable assurances that its territory would not be used for terrorism against Pakistan, citing previous mediation efforts that failed due to Kabul's reluctance to cooperate.