Pakistan Reaffirms Saudi Security Commitment at UN Security Council
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK — WEB DESK: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security during a United Nations Security Council meeting, condemning recent Houthi attacks on the kingdom and calling for an immediate end to hostilities.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, delivered the statement during the Security Council’s monthly briefing on Yemen on Friday, October 9.
The ambassador said Islamabad remained committed to Saudi security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and recent decisions taken by the agreement’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee.
Pakistan Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia
Ahmad condemned attacks targeting infrastructure in Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Governorate and the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah.
He also referred to attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, which resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.
The ambassador called on the Houthis to immediately stop attacks on Saudi territory.
He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s right to protect its population, cities and essential infrastructure.
Islamabad Reaffirms Makkah Defence Agreement
Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement issued the previous day, Ahmad emphasised Pakistan’s continuing commitment to the kingdom’s security.
He said the protection of Saudi sovereignty and territorial integrity remained a central element of bilateral defence cooperation.
Pakistan also reiterated the importance of safeguarding the security and sanctity of Islam’s two holiest mosques.
The remarks reaffirmed an existing defence commitment. They did not announce a new Pakistani military deployment or authorise a specific operation.
Pakistan Raises Maritime Security Concerns
The ambassador warned that intensified Houthi operations along Yemen’s western coast and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait posed risks to commercial shipping.
The strait is a strategically important maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
Ahmad called for an end to attacks on merchant vessels and stressed the need to protect freedom of navigation under international law.
Support for Yemen’s Sovereignty and Peace Process
Pakistan also reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, as well as the country’s internationally recognised government.
Ahmad backed UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation and facilitate an end to the fighting.
He called for an inclusive political settlement led and owned by Yemenis under United Nations auspices.
Humanitarian Access and Detainee Release Urged
Addressing the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, the ambassador expressed concern about renewed fighting around Taiz and attacks affecting Aden airport.
He urged all parties to protect civilians and essential infrastructure while allowing humanitarian supplies to reach people in need.
Pakistan also called for the immediate and unconditional release of detained UN, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel.
Ahmad stressed that food, fuel and other essential goods must remain accessible to vulnerable communities.
Pakistan Calls for Coordinated UN Action
The ambassador urged Security Council members to work together to prevent further attacks, protect regional security and support a credible political settlement.
Pakistan’s position combined a reaffirmation of its defence relationship with Saudi Arabia with support for diplomacy and humanitarian relief in Yemen.
The statement confirmed Islamabad’s existing security commitment but did not announce a new military operation or a change to Pakistan’s deployment arrangements.
