UNITED NATIONS, Sep 11 (APP)::Amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and the capture of another key port by the militants on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, Pakistan has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to a comprehensive, sustainable, and inclusive political process that is fully Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned, and facilitated by the U.N. "The situation in Yemen has entered a deeply alarming and dangerous phase," Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan …
Pakistan urges UN-led Yemen peace talks amid rising Houthi attacks
UNITED NATIONS, Sep 11 (APP)::Amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and the capture of another key port by the militants on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, Pakistan has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to a comprehensive, sustainable, and inclusive political process that is fully Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned, and facilitated by the U.N.
“The situation in Yemen has entered a deeply alarming and dangerous phase,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the UN Security Council, which met in emergency on the heels of rising Houthi attacks in the region.
Bahrain and the United Kingdom, the Council’s penholder on Yemen, requested the meeting, which was held under the French presidency.
Yemen has been in crisis repeatedly since the Houthi militia seized Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, in 2014, as conflict ensued with the internationally recognized Yemeni Government until the UN brokered a truce in 2022.
That landmark two-month-long agreement has since been renewed, with the UN Security Council hearing updates via regular briefings.
In his remarks, Ambassador Asim Ahmad strongly condemned Houthi attacks against civilian and economic targets in Saudi Arabia in violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom that undermined efforts for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Yemen.
The Pakistan envoy reaffirmed Islamabad’s solidarity with the Kingdom and support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We fully support the Kingdom’s legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend its territory, protect its citizens and residents, and safeguard its national assets against any threat.”
He warned that escalating hostilities in Yemen and attacks on Red Sea shipping risk wider regional instability.
Calling for de-escalation and a credible, Yemeni-led political process under United Nations auspices, the Pakistani envoy urged greater humanitarian support, noting that more than 22 million Yemenis need assistance.
He also demanded the immediate, unconditional release of detained UN, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel.
Briefing the Security Council, UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg said Yemen faces a new and more dangerous phase of war after Houthis seized the strategic port city of Mokha, The advance gives the group a direct presence near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, raising concerns over freedom of navigation through a vital global trade and energy route.
Fighting has spread across Taiz, Hudaydah, Marib, Al-Jawf and Al-Bayda, killing civilians and displacing more than 11,400 households since 3 September. Houthis also attacked civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
Grundberg urged the group to halt its attacks and threats against commercial vessels. Calling for continued engagement, protection of civilians and preservation of a political settlement, he said Yemeni demands, including reopened roads, salary payments, improved services and detainee releases, can be addressed through negotiations.
He warned that the conflict’s consequences will not remain within Yemen’s borders.
