By Amjad Qaimkhani
NEW YORK: Pakistan on Sunday strongly condemned the Houthi ballistic missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its full solidarity with the Kingdom and its continued support for its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speaking during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on Yemen, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, also reiterated Islamabad’s unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen in line with the UN Charter and international law.
Ambassador Jadoon said the region continued to face heightened tensions and multiple interconnected crises, urging all concerned parties to resolve their differences through dialogue, diplomacy and a firm commitment to de-escalation.
Jadoon said a comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable peace in Yemen could only be achieved through a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process facilitated by the United Nations.
Pakistan representative said the prisoner exchange agreement reached earlier this year had shown that dialogue could produce tangible results even in a difficult environment. He urged all parties to build on that momentum and continue constructive engagement towards a lasting nationwide ceasefire and an inclusive political settlement.
Ambassador Jadoon said the Yemeni people had endured years of conflict, displacement, economic hardship, food insecurity and the collapse of essential services. Any further escalation, he warned, would undermine prospects for peace and deepen the suffering of civilians.
The Pakistani envoy also strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN personnel, humanitarian workers and diplomatic staff, as well as the unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets by the Houthis. He said such actions violated international law and undermined humanitarian operations.
