Farhan Qureshi 
Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent Pakistan Houthi attacks on civilian and economic sites in Saudi Arabia and reiterated Islamabad’s support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. Pakistan’s stance was articulated at a special United Nations Security Council meeting on Yemen on September 10.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, described the attacks on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran as reprehensible and a serious violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty. The statement reiterated Pakistan’s firm dedication to regional stability, respect for international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Pakistan Reiterates Support For Saudi Arabia
During the UN meeting, Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity of Saudi Arabia. The statement also conveyed solidarity with the leadership, government and people of Saudi Arabia amid growing security concerns.
Ambassador Ahmad said Saudi Arabia has a legitimate right under the UN Charter and international law to take the necessary measures to defend its territory and protect its citizens, residents and national assets. The position underscores Pakistan’s emphasis on the security of a long-standing strategic partner.
Pakistan has warned that the situation in Yemen has reached a “deeply alarming” stage with fighting escalating and attacks continuing. The Pakistani assessment includes concerns about strikes on Saudi civilian and economic targets, attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the worsening humanitarian situation.
The developments have implications beyond Yemen’s borders because the Red Sea is an important international maritime corridor. Continued attacks on commercial shipping could threaten shipping, trade, energy markets and broader regional security, making de-escalation important for countries well beyond the immediate conflict zone.
Islamabad said that military escalation cannot provide a sustainable solution to the Yemen conflict. Pakistan has called for an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under the auspices of the UN. Dialogue remains central to efforts to achieve a sustainable settlement.
The relative calm in Yemen in 2022 was presented as proof of the potential value of sustained diplomatic engagement. Pakistan has therefore urged the international community to protect diplomatic space and avoid shutting doors to political negotiations following new violence.
Pakistan Draws Attention To Worsening Humanitarian Situation In Yemen
On the Yemen conflict, the humanitarian situation remains a big concern for Pakistan. Ambassador Ahmad called for continued international focus and sufficient resources for relief efforts, and safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian workers to help the affected communities.
Civilians and critical services in Yemen have been under tremendous pressure due to years of conflict. Renewed fighting and attacks can make the delivery of food, healthcare and other humanitarian assistance even more difficult, and the protection of relief operations an important element of any international response.
Pakistan’s call for humanitarian access is part of its broader call for political dialogue. Sustainable peacebuilding needs to be more than military and political; it must also consider the needs of civilians who have been living through extended instability and displacement.
Pakistan Seeks Release Of Detained Personnel
Pakistan also condemned continued arbitrary detention of United Nations, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel by the Houthis. Islamabad called for their immediate, unconditional and safe release, emphasising the necessity to protect people engaged in diplomatic and humanitarian activities.
The issue compounds the wider concerns surrounding Yemen’s conflict. The safe operation of international organisations depends on access to personnel and the ability to deliver assistance free from intimidation, detention or any other form of obstruction.
Pakistan’s position is consistent with its overall support for international institutions and diplomatic engagement. Safeguarding humanitarian and diplomatic personnel can help keep open channels for international assistance and political dialogue in situations of acute instability.
Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy has been to support partners while also calling for dialogue and de-escalation. It provides Islamabad with an opportunity to uphold principles of sovereignty and security while also fostering political solutions to regional conflicts.
Pakistan For De-Escalation, Sustainable Peace In Region
Pakistan said de-escalation, dialogue and a comprehensive political settlement are essential for Yemen and the wider region. Islamabad’s stance at the United Nations shows an effort to promote diplomatic space and oppose attacks that threaten civilian populations, national sovereignty and international maritime security.
The future of Yemen is also at the heart of international efforts, with a call for an inclusive political process. A sustainable settlement will need meaningful participation of Yemeni stakeholders, continued UN engagement and regional backing for a process able to address the political and humanitarian dimensions of the conflict.
The latest statement from Pakistan is in line with its broader diplomatic message of peaceful dispute resolution and regional stability. Pakistan still advocates diplomacy and de-escalation as key tools to prevent further instability across the region by supporting Saudi Arabia’s security while encouraging dialogue in Yemen.
