Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's ambassador to the UN called for an immediate end to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping.
- He stressed the need to protect the Two Holy Mosques and uphold freedom of navigation.
- Pakistan supports Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and calls for a political settlement in Yemen.
Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has called for an immediate halt to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping during a briefing at the UN Security Council.
Addressing the council, Ahmad condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including those targeting infrastructure in Makkah Governorate and the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah.
He also cited attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, which caused civilian deaths and injuries.
Pakistan's commitment to Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and security was reaffirmed, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's statement that Islamabad's support for the kingdom's territorial integrity is resolute.
The ambassador emphasized the need to protect the Two Holy Mosques and called for an end to attacks that pose a serious threat to regional peace and security.
On Yemen, Pakistan supports the country's sovereignty, independence, and unity, as well as its internationally recognized government.
Ahmad highlighted the intensifying Houthi offensive along Yemen's western coast and around Bab el-Mandeb, stressing the need to protect maritime security and freedom of navigation.
He called for the protection of civilians and essential infrastructure, citing renewed fighting around Taiz and an attack by Houthi elements on Aden airport.
Pakistan reiterated its call for the immediate, unconditional, and safe release of detained UN, humanitarian, and diplomatic personnel.
The ambassador urged the Security Council to act with unity to halt Houthi attacks, safeguard regional security, ease humanitarian suffering, and restore a path towards a political settlement.
These vital waterways cannot remain exposed to attacks that endanger seafarers, disrupt trade and compound global economic hardship.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN
