UNITED NATIONS – Pakistan has condemned attacks by the Houthi group on Saudi Arabia at the UN Security Council. It called for their immediate and unconditional end and reaffirmed its support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
Syed Haider Shah, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, made the remarks after the Council adopted a resolution renewing the sanctions measures established under Resolution 2140 (2014). The resolution also extends the mandate of the Panel of Experts supporting the 2140 Committee, according to Radio Pakistan. Pakistan voted in favour.
Pakistan’s position
Shah expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s leadership, government and people. He said Saudi Arabia has the right to defend its territory and protect its citizens and residents in line with the UN Charter and international law.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. He welcomed the renewal of the sanctions and said the 2140 Committee plays an important role in promoting peace, security and stability in Yemen.
According to HTN Urdu’s report of the speech, Shah described accountability for those responsible as essential to lasting peace in Yemen. He praised the United Kingdom’s efforts to secure the resolution’s adoption. He stressed that the sanctions system must be implemented effectively and that the Panel of Experts must work impartially and professionally.
Shah said a comprehensive, UN-led political process led by Yemenis themselves is necessary for peace. He added that Pakistan is ready to support efforts to restore stability in Yemen and ease the humanitarian suffering of its people.
The resolution and the wider context
The Security Council voted unanimously on Thursday to extend Yemen-related sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, for another year, while demanding an end to Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. According to Reuters, the resolution condemns the Houthis’ military escalation, their maritime and cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia, and their threats to commercial shipping. The Council also renewed the mandate of its sanctions-monitoring panel until December 15, 2027.
The vote came as fighting continued. On the same day, the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted suspected Houthi drones over the Riyadh region and the Eastern Province. A Houthi military spokesperson claimed the group had targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and military sites. The group rejected as false a Saudi assertion that it had targeted the Mecca region. These claims have not been independently verified.
The UN humanitarian office (OCHA) said on Thursday that more than 333,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since the start of August.
