Pakistan Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia at UN Security Council

Pakistan has strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks on civilian and economic targets in Saudi Arabia, calling them a violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and warning that the escalating situation in Yemen could further destabilise the wider region.

Speaking at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Yemen on September 10, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Islamabad stood in “complete solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and supported its right to defend its territory and protect its citizens, residents and national assets.

“These attacks constitute a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and undermine efforts for a peaceful and durable resolution of the conflict in Yemen,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said.

He cited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as saying that such attacks “threaten innocent lives as well as regional peace and security.”

Pakistan calls for de-escalation

Pakistan said the situation in Yemen had entered a “deeply alarming and dangerous phase”, pointing to intensified fighting across multiple frontlines, continued Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, attacks against Saudi civilian and economic targets and the worsening humanitarian situation. Islamabad warned that the developments could have “far-reaching consequences” for Yemen and the wider region. The Pakistani envoy stressed the need to prevent further escalation and preserve diplomatic channels, recalling that the relative calm maintained in Yemen since 2022 had been achieved through sustained diplomatic efforts. “A return to hostilities would further compound the suffering of the Yemeni people and risk drawing the country deeper into wider regional tensions,” he said. Pakistan called for an immediate focus on de-escalation and the restoration of a credible political process.

Support for UN-led political process

Islamabad reiterated its support for an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under UN auspices.

Pakistan also expressed support for UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, who briefed the Security Council on the latest developments.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said Yemen’s worsening humanitarian crisis required sustained international attention, urging adequate funding for humanitarian operations and safe access for humanitarian personnel. Pakistan also condemned the continued detention by the Houthis of UN and humanitarian personnel and diplomatic staff, demanding their immediate, unconditional and safe release.

Wider regional implications

The Security Council meeting comes amid renewed concerns over the potential expansion of Yemen’s conflict and its impact on regional security and international shipping.

Pakistan urged the Security Council and the wider international community to remain united behind efforts aimed at de-escalation, dialogue and a comprehensive political settlement.

“Pakistan will continue to support all sincere efforts aimed at de-escalation, dialogue and a comprehensive political settlement that can bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to Yemen and the wider region,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said.