Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia at UN Security Council
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad condemns Houthi attacks and urges protection of maritime routes, civilians and humanitarian access in Yemen
Pakistan’s UN envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad addresses the Security Council on Saudi security and the Yemen conflict.
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It also called for an immediate end to Houthi attacks against the kingdom.
Speaking at the council’s monthly briefing on Yemen, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Islamabad would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Saudi Arabia.
He linked Pakistan’s commitment to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and recent decisions by its Strategic Political and Defence Committee. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s right to protect its people and vital infrastructure.
Pakistan Condemns Houthi Attacks
Ambassador Ahmad condemned attacks targeting infrastructure in Makkah Governorate and the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah.
He also recalled attacks on King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport that reportedly caused civilian deaths and injuries.
Pakistan urged the Houthi movement to stop its attacks immediately. It also stressed that the security and sanctity of Islam’s Two Holy Mosques must remain protected.
Maritime Security Remains a Concern
Beyond Saudi Arabia’s security, Pakistan reiterated its support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.
The ambassador warned that fighting along Yemen’s western coast and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait threatened maritime security.
He called on the Houthis to stop attacks on commercial shipping. He also urged all parties to respect freedom of navigation under international law.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a strategic shipping route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Continued hostilities in the area raise concerns about regional stability and international trade.
MG Hybrid+ and Super Hybrid Bring an EV-Like Driving Experience to Pakistan
Pakistan Backs UN-Led Peace Efforts
Ambassador Ahmad expressed support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s efforts to contain the escalation and facilitate a halt to hostilities.
He called for an inclusive political process led and owned by Yemenis under UN auspices.
The envoy also warned that renewed fighting, including clashes around Taiz and an attack on Aden airport attributed to Houthi elements, had increased risks for civilians and essential infrastructure. Recent UN briefings have likewise highlighted the spread of fighting across several Yemeni front lines.
Call for Humanitarian Access and Release of Detainees
Pakistan urged all parties to allow safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access. It also called for adequate funding for relief operations and protection of civilian infrastructure.
Food, fuel and other essential supplies, the ambassador stressed, must reach people in need.
Pakistan further demanded the immediate, unconditional and safe release of detained UN, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel.
Ambassador Ahmad urged the Security Council to act with unity to halt attacks, protect regional security, reduce human suffering and restore a credible path towards a political settlement.
He said Pakistan would continue supporting efforts to achieve a peaceful, stable and united Yemen.
