ISLAMABAD: Pakistan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed support for Riyadh’s right to defend its territory, citizens and national assets as fighting in Yemen and the Red Sea intensifies.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, told a UN Security Council meeting on Yemen that attacks on Saudi civilian and economic targets threatened regional peace and undermined efforts for a political settlement.
Islamabad also reiterated support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying any defensive measures should remain consistent with the UN Charter and international law.
The statement has gained renewed relevance after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Makkah at 6:50 p.m. local time on September 15 before it entered restricted airspace over the holy city. The Saudi-led coalition described it as a second attempt to target Makkah; Houthi officials denied targeting the city.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on September 13, condemning recent attacks on Saudi civilian and economic infrastructure and warning of consequences for regional security, global trade and energy supplies.
Read: Saudi Arabia Faces New Houthi Attacks as Hormuz Talks Stall
Pakistan has separately called for an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process under United Nations auspices while warning that insecurity around Bab al-Mandab could threaten international shipping and wider regional stability.
