Faisal Karim Kundi hits out at KP govt over poor governance, rising terrorism

Islamabad  –  Pakistan has strongly condemned continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of infrastructure in Makkah Governorate and Madinah, and called for an immediate end to hostilities, warning that escalating violence in Yemen poses a grave threat to regional peace, maritime security and international trade.

Addressing the United Nations Security Council’s monthly briefing on Yemen in New York on Friday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, reaffirmed Islamabad’s unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia and stressed that the security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques must be respected at all times.

KP governor asks CM Afridi to resign over moral grounds

He also condemned Houthi attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, which resulted in civilian casualties and injuries, and called on the Houthi militia to immediately cease its attacks.

“Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the leadership and people of brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Ambassador Asim said, quoting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement issued a day earlier. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security in line with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and recent decisions taken by its Strategic Political and Defence Committee.

Saudi Arabia will not allow Yemen to become launchpad for threats to Kingdom, Red Sea: UN envoy

Pakistan also fully supports Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend its people and protect its cities and vital infrastructure, he said, adding that Islamabad would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Riyadh in the face of security threats.

Highlighting the growing dangers to regional stability, the Pakistani envoy expressed deep concern over escalating hostilities in Yemen, continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, threats to commercial shipping, fighting around Taiz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the worsening humanitarian crisis.

PMD forecast rain, thunderstorms across upper, central parts from today

He warned that the intensifying Houthi offensive along Yemen’s western coast and around Bab el-Mandeb underscored the urgent need to protect maritime security and ensure freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.

The Houthis must cease attacks on commercial shipping, he said, stressing that vital waterways could not remain vulnerable to attacks that endanger seafarers, disrupt international trade and aggravate global economic hardship.

Ambassador Asim reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, as well as its internationally recognised government.

Security forces kill 7 terrorists in North Waziristan

Emphasising the need for a diplomatic solution, the Pakistani envoy backed UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg’s efforts to contain the escalation and facilitate a cessation of hostilities.

He called for the use of all diplomatic channels to maintain communication, prevent further escalation and revive a credible, inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under UN auspices.

Pakistan supports the Special Envoy’s mediation efforts and his call for political strategies to move Yemen towards a sustainable settlement, he said.

The envoy stressed that a political solution remained essential to restoring peace and stability in the war-torn country.

Warning Over Worsening Humanitarian Crisis:

Drawing attention to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, Ambassador Asim said renewed fighting was further endangering civilians and essential infrastructure.

The offensive around Taiz and an attack by Houthi elements on Aden airport highlighted the vulnerability of civilian populations and critical facilities, he said.

He called for safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access, the protection of civilian infrastructure and adequate funding for relief operations.

Food, fuel and essential commercial supplies must be allowed to reach all those in need, he stressed.

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

Pakistan Urges Unity in Security Council:

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Asim urged the Security Council to act with unity and purpose to halt Houthi attacks, safeguard regional security, alleviate human suffering and restore a credible path towards a political settlement.

Pakistan stands with the Yemeni people and supports efforts to achieve a peaceful, stable and united Yemen, he said, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to advancing lasting peace and stability across the region.

NIPCO House, 4 – Shaharah e Fatima Jinnah,

Tel: +92 42 36367580    |     Fax : +92 42 36367005