Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the UN Security Council that the security and prosperity of Gulf countries are of "immense importance" to Pakistan. Speaking on November 14, 2026, during a meeting regarding the situation in the Gulf, Shah reaffirmed the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Pakistan and the Gulf nations.
Shah expressed serious concern over escalating tensions and their impact on the security of the "brotherly Gulf countries" and the broader region. He called for an immediate end to military provocations and unlawful attacks, urging all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states while protecting civilians and commercial shipping.
The envoy unequivocally condemned attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and stated Pakistan's full solidarity with their governments and peoples. Specifically, Shah strongly condemned Houthi militia attacks and threats against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including its civilian infrastructure and vessels engaged in lawful trade. He reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the kingdom's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security, stating that attacks against civilian infrastructure, such as airports and energy installations, were unacceptable.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, Shah warned that threats to maritime navigation and attacks on merchant vessels endangered seafarers, disrupted international commerce, and heightened energy and food insecurity, particularly for vulnerable economies. He called for the protection of commercial shipping and crews, the restoration of normal passage, and the safe delivery of humanitarian supplies.
To achieve lasting peace, Shah argued that the root causes of regional conflicts must be addressed. He called for a regional framework based on common security, peaceful coexistence, and mutual prosperity. The envoy stressed that dialogue and diplomacy must guide the way forward, urging all parties to keep communication channels open and support regional initiatives and the secretary-general's good offices.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have significantly strengthened their defence cooperation in recent years, signing a bilateral defence agreement in September 2025. Furthermore, in August 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA). This trilateral security arrangement stipulates that an attack against any one of the three countries would be treated as an attack against all three.
