Pakistan calls for protection of commercial shipping, political settlement in Yemen

Pakistan has condemned continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and called for an immediate halt to attacks on commercial shipping, urging the UN Security Council to step up efforts to address the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Speaking at the council’s monthly briefing on Yemen on Friday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said escalating hostilities, threats to maritime traffic, fighting around Taiz and Bab el-Mandeb, and worsening humanitarian conditions required urgent attention.

Ahmad condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including those targeting infrastructure in Makkah Governorate and the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah. He also cited attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport that caused civilian deaths and injuries.

He called for an immediate end to the attacks, saying they posed a serious threat to regional peace and security. He also stressed that the security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques must be respected.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia, the ambassador referred to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement that Islamabad’s commitment to the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security was resolute under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and recent decisions of its Strategic Political and Defence Committee.

Pakistan also supports Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its people and protect its cities and vital infrastructure, Ahmad said, reiterating the prime minister’s call for the Houthi militia to cease its attacks.

On Yemen, the ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the country’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, as well as its internationally recognised government.

He said the intensifying Houthi offensive along Yemen’s western coast and around Bab el-Mandeb highlighted the need to protect maritime security. Attacks on commercial vessels must stop, while freedom of navigation must be upheld in accordance with international law, he said.

“These vital waterways cannot remain exposed to attacks that endanger seafarers, disrupt trade and compound global economic hardship,” he said.

Ahmad voiced support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s diplomatic efforts, calling for all available channels to be used to contain escalation, maintain communication and facilitate a cessation of hostilities.

He said these efforts should help restore a credible, inclusive political process led and owned by Yemenis under UN auspices.

The ambassador also called for the protection of civilians and essential infrastructure, citing renewed fighting around Taiz and an attack by Houthi elements on Aden airport as evidence of the risks facing civilian populations.

He stressed the need for safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access, adequate funding for relief operations and the delivery of food, fuel and essential commercial supplies to people in need.

Pakistan also reiterated its call for the immediate, unconditional and safe release of detained UN, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel.

Ahmad urged the Security Council to act with unity to halt Houthi attacks, safeguard regional security, ease humanitarian suffering and restore a path towards a political settlement.

Pakistan, he said, stood with the Yemeni people and would continue supporting efforts for a peaceful, stable and united Yemen.