Pakistan reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia at UN, condemns Houthi attacks

Ambassador urges dialogue, nationwide ceasefire to end prolonged conflict

Pakistan on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia at a United Nations Emergency Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, on Yemen.

The Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN wrote in a post on X that Ambassador Usman Jadoon noted Islamabad's condemnation of Houthi ballistic missile attacks against Saudi Arabia. "We express our full solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom and reaffirm our steadfast support for its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," he said.

Further, he noted, "We also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law." The ambassador called on concerned parties "to resolve differences through dialogue, diplomacy, and a steadfast commitment to de-escalation," particularly during "a time when the region continues to face heightened tensions and multiple interconnected crises".

According to Jadoon, "A comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable peace can only be achieved through a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, facilitated by the UN, which addresses the legitimate aspirations and concerns of all Yemenis." He cited the agreement on the exchange of prisoners earlier this year as having demonstrated that "dialogue can yield tangible outcomes even in a difficult environment".

All parties, the ambassador noted, "should build on this momentum and continue engaging constructively towards a durable nationwide ceasefire and an inclusive political settlement".

He added that the people of Yemen have endured years of conflict, displacement, economic hardship, food insecurity, and the collapse of essential services. "Any further escalation risks undermining prospects for peace and deepening the suffering of civilians, "Jadoon stated.

According to Jadoon, "A comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable peace can only be achieved through a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, facilitated by the UN, which addresses the legitimate aspirations and concerns of all Yemenis." He cited the agreement on the exchange of prisoners earlier this year as having demonstrated that "dialogue can yield tangible outcomes even in a difficult environment".

All parties, the ambassador noted, "should build on this momentum and continue engaging constructively towards a durable nationwide ceasefire and an inclusive political settlement".

He added that the people of Yemen have endured years of conflict, displacement, economic hardship, food insecurity, and the collapse of essential services. "Any further escalation risks undermining prospects for peace and deepening the suffering of civilians, "Jadoon stated.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted ballistic missiles fired at the country's south by Yemen's Houthi movement.

The general aviation authority of Yemen's Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government ordered the closure of all airports nationwide, before announcing hours later that they had reopened. The government's defence ministry said the runway at Sanaa International Airport had been targeted to prevent an Iranian plane from landing, with an armed forces spokesman later saying the aircraft had landed at Houthi-controlled Hodeidah airport.

Another minister said the Houthis were detaining another plane, belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross, at Sanaa airport.