Pakistan Urges UN-led Yemen Peace Talks Amid Rising Houthi Attacks
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 UN. This comes as Yemen faces a deepening crisis marked by escalating Houthi attacks and the capture of another key port by the militants on Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, addressed the UN Security Council in an emergency meeting convened by Bahrain and the United Kingdom (the Council’s penholder on Yemen).
Since the Houthi militia seized Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, in 2014, the country has been mired in conflict between the internationally recognized Yemeni Government and the Houthis. A landmark truce agreed in 2022 has since been renewed, with regular briefings to the Security Council.
In his remarks, Ambassador Asim Ahmad condemned Houthi attacks against civilian and economic targets in Saudi Arabia, violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom. Pakistan expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for its sovereignty.
"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."
Ahmad warned that escalating hostilities in Yemen and attacks on Red Sea shipping could lead to wider regional instability. He called for de-escalation and a credible, Yemeni-led political process under UN auspices, as well as greater humanitarian support for the country, where over 22 million people need assistance. He also demanded the immediate, unconditional release of detained UN, humanitarian, and diplomatic personnel.
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg noted that Yemen faces a new and more dangerous phase of war after the Houthis seized the strategic port city of Mokha. This 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 several provinces, displacing over 11,400 households since 3 September. Houthis have also attacked civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
Grundberg urged the Houthis to halt their attacks and threats against commercial vessels, calling for continued engagement, protection of civilians, and preservation of a political settlement.
