Pakistan condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, calls for immediate de-escalation

Addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Yemen on September 10, 2026, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the attacks on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran were “reprehensible” and constituted a “flagrant violation” of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“These attacks constitute a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and undermine efforts for a peaceful and durable resolution of the conflict in Yemen,” Ambassador Ahmad said. Pakistan reiterated its “unwavering support” for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity of Saudi Arabia, expressing complete solidarity with its leadership, government and people.

The Pakistani envoy said Islamabad fully supported Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right, consistent with the UN Charter and international law, to take necessary measures to defend its territory, protect its citizens and residents, and safeguard its national assets.

Ambassador Ahmad described the situation in Yemen as having entered a “deeply alarming and dangerous phase,” citing intensified hostilities across multiple frontlines, continued Houthi attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, attacks on Saudi civilian and economic targets, and the worsening humanitarian situation. He warned that the developments could have “far-reaching consequences” for Yemen and the wider region.

Pakistan stressed that preventing further escalation and preserving diplomatic space should be an urgent priority. The ambassador recalled that the relative calm maintained in Yemen since 2022 had resulted from sustained diplomatic efforts and warned that a return to large-scale hostilities could further worsen the suffering of the Yemeni population while pulling the country deeper into broader regional tensions.

“The immediate priority must therefore be de-escalation and restoration of credible political process,” he said. Pakistan said it supports an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under United Nations auspices. Ambassador Ahmad also commended UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg for his continued engagement with the parties involved in the conflict and regional stakeholders.

He called for sustained international attention to Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the need for adequate funding for humanitarian operations and safety and access for humanitarian personnel.

Pakistan also condemned the continued arbitrary detention by the Houthis of UN and humanitarian personnel as well as diplomatic staff, and demanded their “immediate, unconditional and safe release.”“Pakistan will continue to support all sincere efforts aimed at de-escalation, dialogue and a comprehensive political settlement,” Ambassador Ahmad said, stressing that such efforts were essential to achieving lasting peace, stability and prosperity in Yemen and the wider region.

He urged the UN Security Council and the international community to remain united in pursuing those objectives.