ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council to take concerted action to stop escalating Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and threats to international shipping, warning that the deteriorating security situation in Yemen is endangering regional stability, civilian lives and global trade.
Pakistan strongly condemns the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia including the outrageous targeting of infrastructure in the Makkah Governorate and on the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah tul Munawwarah.
As the Prime Minister of Pakistan said yesterday, and I quote, “Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the leadership and people of brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In line with Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, and recent decisions taken by its Strategic political and Defense Committee, our commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security is resolute. We also fully support Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend its people and protect its cities and vital infrastructure.
Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, at the UN Security Council Monthly Briefing on Yemen
Complete video of Pakistan’s statement below
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) October 9, 2026
Speaking at the Council’s monthly briefing on Yemen on Friday, in New York, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, condemned attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including facilities in Makkah Governorate and the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
He also denounced attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport that caused civilian deaths and injuries, describing such actions as a serious threat to regional peace and security.
Ambassador Asim emphasised that the security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques must be respected under all circumstances.
Reiterating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s position, he said Pakistan remained firmly committed to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and decisions taken by the agreement’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee.
Islamabad also supported Riyadh’s legitimate right to defend its population, cities and critical infrastructure, he said, adding that Pakistan would continue to stand alongside its brotherly country in confronting security threats.
Threats to shipping raise alarm
The Pakistani envoy warned that escalating violence along Yemen’s western coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait had heightened concerns over maritime security and the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping.
He called on the Houthis to stop attacks on commercial vessels, stressing that freedom of navigation must be protected in accordance with international law.
Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad,
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,
At the UN Security Council Monthly Briefing on Yemen
(09 October 2026)
***********Madam President,
1. I would like to thank you in particular for your kind words addressed to me which I believe are words addressed to my country also, and I must say that it has been a great honour representing Pakistan at the United Nations and in the Security Council.
2. I have had the pleasure, and I feel so privileged to have this opportunity to work with all of you, my dear colleagues, and to admire your commitment and deep attachment to what we all say always our collective objective, maintenance of international peace and security, primary responsibility of this Council.
3. Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary General, his senior aides in the Secretariat and a number of Special Envoys including Mr. Grunberg and special representatives in the field and thousands of our peacekeepers who are deployed in various missions for their contribution to our work, and let’s not forget the outstanding collogues that we have in the Secretariat, the Security Council Affairs Division, and my own team for their support.
4. I think, together, we have achieved a lot. Yet there are many situations and many challenges that require our collective attention and continuing work. I think the situation in Yemen is one of those.
5. I would like to join colleagues in thanking Special Envoy Hans Mr. Grunberg and ASG Ocha, Mohammad Yahya, for their valuable briefings and we also take note of the insightful remarks by Miss Inger Ashing..
6. Yemen’s descent into conflict is deeply alarming. The escalation of hostilities, continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, threats to commercial shipping, fighting around Taiz and Bab el-Mandeb, and deepening humanitarian crisis demand our urgent attention.
7. In this context, Pakistan wishes to underscore four points:
First, we strongly condemn the continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia including the outrageous targeting of infrastructure in the Makkah Governorate and on the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah tul Munawwarah. Pakistan has also strongly condemned the Houthi terrorist attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport which resulted in loss of lives and injuries to civilians. We call for an immediate end of such reckless attacks that constitute a grave threat to regional peace and security. The security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques must be respected at all times. As the Prime Minister of Pakistan said yesterday, and I quote, “Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the leadership and people of brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In line with Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, and recent decisions taken by its Strategic political and Defense Committee, our commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security is resolute. We also fully support Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend its people and protect its cities and vital infrastructure. The Houthi militia must immediately cease these attacks. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in the face of these threats.”
Second, Pakistan reaffirms its support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, and its internationally recognized Government.
The intensifying Houthi offensive along Yemen’s western coast and around Bab el-Mandeb underscores the urgency of protecting maritime security. Houthis must cease attacks on commercial shipping. Freedom of navigation must be upheld in accordance with international law. These vital waterways cannot remain exposed to attacks that endanger seafarers, disrupt trade and compound global economic hardship.
Third, Pakistan supports Special Envoy Grundberg’s efforts, including his recent engagements. All diplomatic channels must be used to contain escalation, maintain communication and facilitate a cessation of hostilities and we support the special envoys mediation role and his call for political strategies. These efforts should restore a credible, inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under United Nations auspices.
Fourth, civilians must be protected. Renewed fighting is causing deterioration of humanitarian situation. The offensive around Taiz and the attack by Houthi elements on Aden airport further underscore the vulnerability of civilian populations and essential infrastructure.
Safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access, protection of civilian infrastructure, and adequate funding for relief operations are indispensable. Food, fuel and essential commercial supplies must reach all those in need.
We also reiterate our call for the immediate, unconditional and safe release of detained United Nations, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel.
President,
The Council must act with unity and purpose to halt Houthi attacks, safeguard regional security, alleviate suffering and restore a credible path towards a political settlement. Pakistan stands with the Yemeni people, support efforts towards a peaceful, stable and united Yemen, and will continue to make every effort to advance lasting peace and stability in the region.
I thank you.
**************
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) October 9, 2026
Attacks on vital maritime routes threaten the lives of seafarers, disrupt trade flows and add to global economic pressures, he said, underlining the importance of safeguarding these strategic waterways.
Pakistan also reiterated its firm support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, alongside its internationally recognised government.
Diplomacy seen as key to ending conflict
Ambassador Asim called for renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation and create conditions conducive to a lasting political settlement.
He expressed support for UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg’s mediation efforts and recent diplomatic engagements, urging all concerned parties to use available channels of communication to facilitate a cessation of hostilities.
Pakistan supports a credible and inclusive political process led and owned by the Yemeni people under United Nations auspices, he said, stressing that sustained diplomatic efforts were necessary to restore peace and stability.
Read Also: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Strongly Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Airports
Concern over civilian suffering
The Pakistani envoy warned that renewed fighting was worsening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, with developments around Taiz and an attack by Houthi elements on Aden airport highlighting the risks facing civilians and essential infrastructure.
He called for safe, swift and unhindered humanitarian access to ensure that assistance reached vulnerable communities without obstruction.
The protection of civilian infrastructure and sufficient funding for humanitarian relief operations were equally essential, he said, emphasising that food, fuel and other vital commercial supplies must reach people in need.
Read Also: Pakistan Calls for Stronger General Assembly, Effective Implementation of UN Resolutions
Pakistan also called for the immediate, unconditional and safe release of all detained United Nations personnel, humanitarian workers and diplomatic staff.
Security Council urged to demonstrate unity
Ambassador Asim stressed that the Security Council must demonstrate unity and resolve in addressing the crisis, preventing further Houthi attacks, protecting regional security and easing the suffering of the Yemeni population.
Pakistan would continue to support international efforts aimed at securing a peaceful, stable and united Yemen, he said, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to promoting lasting peace and stability throughout the region.
