ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top diplomat at the United Nations raised concerns over US and Israeli airstrikes in Yemen and Red Sea attacks by the Houthis during a Security Council briefing on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to view the conflict in the context of the volatile situation across the Middle East.
The United States and Israel launched aerial attacks in Yemen in recent weeks, targeting positions held by the Houthis, a faction that controls much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa.
The strikes were said to be in response to Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and a series of missile and drone strikes against Israel, including a projectile intercepted near central Israel.
The Houthis have described their actions as a commitment to the Palestinian resistance, expressing solidarity with Gaza and Lebanon in the face of Israeli military operations.
A senior UN official noted during the briefing that the conflict in Yemen was increasingly becoming internationalized due to the involvement of external actors.
“Pakistan is deeply concerned on the airstrikes in Yemen,” Ambassador Munir Akram said during his comments to the Security Council. “Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s civilian infrastructure, including Sana’a International Airport, Red Sea ports and power stations have caused civilian casualties, further exacerbating the dire humanitarian and political crises in Yemen.”
“We are also deeply concerned over Houthi attacks on commercial and maritime vessels in the Red Sea, which threaten global trade, regional stability and the environment,” he added.
Focusing on Yemen’s internal situation, the Pakistani diplomat highlighted the progress made during the December 2023 peace negotiations, which resulted in agreements on a nationwide ceasefire, economic revival initiatives, resuming oil exports and ensuring the payment of public sector salaries.
“It is crucial to preserve these gains, establish a roadmap and fully implement commitments to foster sustainable peace,” he emphasized.
Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, also urged for “immediate de-escalation and genuine engagement for peace,” noting that nearly 40 million Yemenis had long awaited a peaceful environment to rebuild their lives.
Ambassador Akram reiterated Pakistan’s stance that the conflict in Yemen should be resolved through diplomatic and political means.
“Pakistan urges all parties to prioritize dialogue, engage in a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, and resolve differences through peaceful means,” he said.
Pakistan raises alarm over US, Israeli airstrikes in Yemen, Houthi attacks in Red Sea
https://arab.news/2h8qs
Pakistan raises alarm over US, Israeli airstrikes in Yemen, Houthi attacks in Red Sea
- Munir Akram says the conflict in Yemen must be viewed in the context of overall Mideast situation
- He reiterates Pakistan’s stance that the conflict in Yemen should be resolved through political means
Pakistan raises fuel prices by Rs55 per liter as Middle East conflict drives oil surge
- Government says adequate fuel stocks in place despite global energy shock
- Oil prices jump from about $78 to over $106 per barrel amid regional conflict
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 ($0.20) per liter each as escalating conflict in the Middle East sent global oil prices sharply higher and disrupted energy supply routes, officials said.
Global oil markets have been rattled since coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran began last week, triggering retaliatory attacks across the region, raising fears of disruption to key energy shipping routes and pushing petroleum prices sharply upward.
The price adjustment in Pakistan was announced after a joint press conference by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, who said the government was monitoring international energy markets and domestic supply conditions amid the crisis.
“So, the decision we have made by changing the levy a little bit is that we are going ahead with increasing the price of both fuels, petrol and diesel, by Rs55 ($0.20),” Malik told reporters.
“And as soon as this matter settles, we will revise the prices downward with the same speed and take steps on how to increase people’s income and purchasing power.”
He said Pakistan entered the crisis with “comfortable energy reserves” due to earlier planning but rising global prices had forced the government to adjust domestic fuel rates to maintain supply continuity.
He said international petrol prices had climbed from roughly $78 per barrel on March 1 to around $106.8 per barrel, while diesel prices had risen to about $150 per barrel.
Malik added that the government had taken steps to minimize the burden on consumers, noting diesel plays a critical role in agriculture, transportation and public mobility.
Malik also warned that authorities would take strict action against anyone attempting to hoard fuel or manipulate supply for profiteering.
The minister said Pakistan was working with international partners to secure additional energy supplies, including arrangements with Saudi Aramco and the use of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation vessels to transport crude oil imports.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb said a high-level government committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been meeting daily to review developments in global petroleum markets and their potential impact on Pakistan’s economy.
“Pakistan currently maintains adequate energy stocks and macroeconomic stability,” Aurangzeb said, adding that the government’s response was based on preparedness rather than panic.
He said the committee, which includes senior ministers, the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and other officials, was assessing short-, medium- and long-term implications of the crisis for inflation, foreign exchange reserves and broader economic indicators.
Deputy PM Dar said the regional conflict had significantly disrupted global energy markets, with international petroleum prices rising by as much as 50–70 percent in recent days.
The deputy prime minister added that Pakistan was also engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring stability in the region.
Petroleum prices will now be reviewed more frequently, potentially on a weekly basis, and any reduction in global oil prices would be passed on to consumers.
Pakistan, which relies heavily on imported fuel to meet its energy needs, is particularly vulnerable to global oil price shocks that can quickly feed into inflation and pressure the country’s external accounts.
