Pakistan reaffirms solidarity with Saudi Arabia as Ishaq Dar and Oman’s foreign minister discuss regional security, diplomacy and bilateral cooperation in Islamabad.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure as “totally unacceptable.”
Dar made the remarks on Wednesday during a joint press conference with visiting Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, following the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad.
Dar said the two sides had discussed the recent attacks and their implications for regional peace and security. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its commitment to the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
“Violations of international law pose a serious threat to regional peace and security,” Dar said, according to Dawn’s report.
Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia
Dar said Pakistan remained committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity. His comments followed a series of reported Houthi attacks targeting Saudi territory and infrastructure, which have heightened concerns about the security situation in the region.
Pakistan has previously condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia and called for an end to strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure. The government has also highlighted the potential consequences of regional escalation for peace, energy supplies and economic stability.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was central to Dar’s remarks on Pakistan’s security commitment to the kingdom.
Pakistan and Oman Discuss Regional Tensions
The talks between Dar and Albusaidi covered regional developments and efforts to promote peace and stability. Both sides emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as important means of addressing regional challenges.
Dar said Pakistan and Oman had exchanged views on the Gulf situation and other pressing regional issues. These included the conflict involving the United States and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The ministers also stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza, according to Dar’s account of the discussions.
Pakistan-Oman Agreement on Bilateral Cooperation
The press conference followed the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission, which reviewed cooperation between the two countries.
Dar said the two sides planned to sign a protocol relating to the commission and an agreement providing mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports. They also discussed holding a business-to-business investment forum in Pakistan.
The two governments have expressed interest in expanding cooperation in trade, investment and other areas of mutual benefit. Dar said maintaining regular high-level engagement would help strengthen bilateral ties.
Oman’s foreign minister also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation and diplomatic engagement in addressing regional challenges.
Regional Security and Economic Concerns
The latest diplomatic discussions come amid heightened tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement. Attacks affecting civilian areas and critical infrastructure have raised concerns about regional security and the potential impact on energy supplies and commercial activity.
Dar said regional tensions were already affecting Pakistan, including through disruptions to energy supply chains and rising fuel costs.
The wider situation has also increased the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and protect civilians.
Pakistan and Oman have reiterated their support for dialogue and diplomacy as tools for resolving regional disputes. Dar’s comments reaffirm Islamabad’s stated support for Saudi Arabia while underscoring concerns about attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The effectiveness of diplomatic efforts will depend on developments on the ground and whether regional parties take steps to reduce hostilities.
For Pakistan, the immediate priorities include maintaining its relationship with Saudi Arabia, continuing engagement with Oman and supporting efforts aimed at regional peace and stability.
