Pakistan has reiterated its unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the latest security situation in Yemen, warning that rising tensions in the region could not only undermine peace efforts but also worsen the already ongoing humanitarian crisis. Islamabad has called on all parties concerned to move towards resolving conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and confidence-building measures rather than military action.
The Security Council meeting was held at a time when tensions in Yemen have once again increased significantly after several years. The situation became more sensitive after the Yemeni authorities launched an operation at Sanaa International Airport, while Saudi Arabia announced immediately after that its air defense system had successfully destroyed ballistic missiles launched towards the southern regions. These incidents have added new intensity to the ongoing tension between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group.
Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Usman Jadoon, while addressing the Security Council, strongly condemned the missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and said that Pakistan stands with the brotherly country in every difficult time. He said that protecting the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia is of fundamental importance to Pakistan and Islamabad will continue its principled support in this regard.
Pakistan also stressed in its statement that respecting the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen is equally important. The Pakistani delegate said that a solution to all Yemeni issues should be sought in the light of the UN Charter and international law while respecting its sovereignty.
Islamabad made it clear in the Security Council that the current situation cannot afford further conflict. According to Pakistan, the Middle East is already facing multiple crises, so all parties should exercise restraint and avoid actions that could lead to an increase in tensions. Pakistan stressed that keeping the doors of communication open is essential for lasting peace.
Pakistan, while calling the long-term solution to the Yemeni issue a comprehensive political process, said that peace is possible only if the negotiations move forward with the participation of all Yemeni parties and the process is facilitated by the United Nations. The Pakistani delegate said that only by keeping in mind the aspirations and legitimate concerns of the Yemeni people can a political framework be created that can become the basis for sustainable stability in the future.
Pakistan, while describing the prisoner exchange agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthis this year as a positive development, said that this progress is proof that continuous diplomatic engagement and confidence-building measures can yield results even in the most difficult conflicts. Islamabad urged all parties to play a serious role in consolidating the ceasefire and advancing political negotiations.
In its address, Pakistan also expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. According to the Pakistani envoy, the years of war have displaced millions of civilians, severely damaged the economy, increased malnutrition and severely affected basic services including health and education. He said that if the current tensions persist, civilians will be the worst affected.
Islamabad also strongly condemned the arrests of UN personnel, humanitarian workers and diplomatic staff by the Houthis and the seizure of UN facilities. Pakistan demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel and the protection of the staff and property of international organizations.
