Pakistan condemns Houthi terrorists' attacks on Saudi Arabia, urges Yemen de-escalation
By The South Asia Times
NEW YORK - Pakistan has strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks on civilian and economic targets in Saudi Arabia, warning that the escalation threatens regional peace and efforts to resolve Yemen’s conflict through diplomacy.
Speaking at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Yemen on Thursday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, condemned attacks in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran.
Ahmad said the attacks violated Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and undermined efforts toward a peaceful and durable settlement in Yemen.
“Such dastardly attacks threaten innocent lives as well as regional peace and security,” he said, quoting Pakistan’s prime minister.
Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and said the kingdom had a legitimate right under the UN Charter and international law to defend its territory, citizens, residents and national assets.
The Pakistani envoy said Yemen had entered a “deeply alarming and dangerous phase,” citing intensified fighting, continued Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, attacks on Saudi targets and the worsening humanitarian crisis.
He warned that renewed large-scale hostilities could deepen Yemen’s suffering and pull the country further into wider regional tensions.
Pakistan called for immediate de-escalation and an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under UN auspices.
Ahmad also urged greater international support for humanitarian operations and called for the immediate and unconditional release of UN, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel detained by the Houthis.
Pakistan said it would continue supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in Yemen and the wider region.
