ISLAMABAD-UNS: Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent surge in Houthi missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, including an attempted attack targeting the holy city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, and called for maximum restraint to prevent further escalation in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X, condemned the attempted drone attack, describing it as a “dastardly and heinous” act and expressing Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The people of Pakistan are saddened and perturbed by this outrageous act,” the prime minister said, while commending the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for their swift and professional response.
Prime Minister Sharif stressed that further escalation must be avoided, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only sustainable means of achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
“Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said, reaffirming Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that the worsening situation had reached a “dangerous juncture” and could have serious implications for regional stability, international trade and global energy security.
“Pakistan condemns, in the strongest terms, all Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Ambassador Ahmad said, warning that the attacks posed risks to regional peace and stability and could have wider economic and energy-security consequences.
He noted that Prime Minister Sharif had also conveyed Pakistan’s condemnation during a recent conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Ambassador Ahmad said Pakistan stood in “complete solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and supported its right under the UN Charter and international law to defend its territory, citizens and national assets.
At the same time, he stressed the need for urgent diplomatic initiatives to prevent the conflict in Yemen from becoming further entangled in the broader regional confrontation.
Call for Yemeni-Led Political Process
Pakistan also reiterated its support for the resumption of an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process under UN auspices.
Ambassador Ahmad said diplomacy must be intensified in response to the gravity of the situation and called for efforts aimed at reducing tensions and creating conditions for a sustainable political settlement in Yemen.
He warned that continued military escalation, attacks on Saudi Arabia and recent developments along Yemen’s Red Sea coast had brought the conflict to an “extremely dangerous juncture.”
Red Sea Shipping Under Growing Pressure
The Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen, have intensified missile and drone attacks in the region while issuing threats against commercial shipping operating around the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.
The strategically important waterway lies between Yemen and the Horn of Africa and connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. It serves as a major route for international trade and energy shipments.
Ambassador Ahmad described the expansion of Houthi activity around Bab Al-Mandab as a “serious escalation,” warning that disruption to maritime traffic could affect international trade, shipping, global supply chains and energy security.
The developments have assumed added significance amid existing disruptions to shipping and energy flows around the Strait of Hormuz, increasing international concern over the security of alternative maritime routes.
Saudi Arabia Reports Civilian Casualties
Saudi authorities reported that 13 civilians were injured in Houthi attacks targeting areas including Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif on Monday.
According to Saudi authorities, more than 70 people were also injured in attacks across the Kingdom during the preceding week.
The renewed fighting has also added to Yemen’s already severe humanitarian challenges. The UN refugee agency has estimated that more than 100,000 people have been displaced amid the renewed hostilities.
Pakistan has continued to call for restraint, diplomatic engagement and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, while urging international efforts to prevent further deterioration of the regional security situation.
