ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday condemned a ballistic missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi movement on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its support for the Kingdom’s security while calling for dialogue and regional de-escalation amid renewed tensions in the Middle East.
The statement came after the Houthis said they had fired missiles at Saudi Arabia in retaliation for what they described as Saudi-backed strikes on an airport under their control, breaking a four-year truce that had largely kept the Kingdom out of direct conflict with the Iran-aligned group.
Saudi authorities said they intercepted missiles launched toward the country’s southern region.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the Houthi ballistic missile attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation in Yemen.
“We express our full solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom and reaffirm our steadfast support for its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral defense cooperation agreement in September last year under which an armed attack against either country would be treated as an attack against both, reaffirming their commitment to mutual security cooperation.
Jadoon also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.
He said a lasting settlement in Yemen could only be achieved through an indigenous peace process facilitated by the UN, warning that any further escalation would worsen the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn state after years of conflict, displacement and economic hardship.
The Pakistani diplomat also condemned the Houthis’ continued arbitrary detention of UN personnel, humanitarian workers and diplomatic staff, as well as the seizure of UN premises and assets, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.
“Pakistan remains firmly committed to promoting dialogue, diplomacy and regional de-escalation,” he said. “We encourage all concerned parties to maintain channels of communication, avoid actions that could heighten tensions and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.”
“Pakistan will continue to support all sincere efforts aimed at fostering peace, stability and mutual understanding in the region,” he added.
