NEW YORK: Pakistan has expressed deep concern over recent developments in Yemen and warned that renewed escalation could reverse the relative calm achieved since the UN-brokered truce of April 2022.
Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on Yemen, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, called for maximum restraint and a return to meaningful political dialogue.
He said the progress achieved since the 2022 truce remains fragile and should not be allowed to collapse.
Pakistan Condemns Houthi Attacks
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad strongly condemned recent Houthi missile and drone attacks.
He also expressed concern over reported civilian casualties in Al Hudaydah, Marib and Hadramout, as well as other parts of Yemen.
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Pakistan warned that further escalation would increase the suffering of the Yemeni people. It would also reduce the space available for diplomatic efforts.
The Pakistani envoy also condemned threats and attacks against Saudi Arabia.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also expressed solidarity with the Kingdom and its efforts for peace and prosperity.
Pakistan Condemns Attacks on Commercial Shipping
Pakistan also strongly condemned Houthi attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb.
The statement specifically referred to the August 11 attack on the commercial vessel Tihamah.
According to Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, the attack resulted in the deaths of three Pakistani crew members and one Indonesian crew member. Seven other people were injured.
Pakistan said such attacks threaten regional security and undermine freedom of navigation.
The ambassador stressed that international maritime shipping and the safety of seafarers must remain protected under international law.
Call for Release of UN and Humanitarian Personnel
Pakistan also condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel by the Houthis.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad called for their immediate and unconditional release.
He said the protection of humanitarian and diplomatic personnel remains essential during the ongoing crisis.
Yemen Faces Severe Humanitarian Needs
Pakistan also urged the international community to keep Yemen’s humanitarian situation at the forefront of attention.
Renewed fighting could further worsen food insecurity and economic disruption.
The Pakistani envoy said the international community must urgently address funding shortfalls affecting humanitarian assistance.
Pakistan Calls for De-escalation
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said de-escalation and the revival of a credible political process have become increasingly urgent.
He welcomed the efforts of UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg to engage Yemeni parties, regional actors and international partners.
Pakistan echoed the Special Envoy’s call for maximum restraint.
It also urged all parties to stop actions that could trigger further military escalation. The parties should instead engage in good-faith negotiations under UN auspices.
Yemen-Led Political Process Needed
Pakistan said a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process remains the most viable path toward a comprehensive and sustainable settlement.
The process should operate with UN facilitation and respect Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stressed that Yemen’s people have already endured years of conflict and immense suffering.
He said they should not face another cycle of regional and domestic escalation.
Pakistan will continue supporting sincere efforts aimed at creating conditions for a durable and peaceful political settlement in Yemen.
