Speaking at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN said Riyadh had the legitimate right to take necessary measures to protect its citizens, residents and national assets.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said the situation in Yemen had entered an extremely concerning and dangerous phase, while expressing deep concern over Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
He stressed the need to prevent further escalation in Yemen and preserve space for diplomacy. Pakistan, he said, supports a Yemeni-led political process under UN auspices.
The Pakistani envoy also expressed concern over divisions within the Security Council and the resulting deadlock, saying the situation had affected the functioning of the council’s subsidiary bodies.
He expressed hope that member states would demonstrate unity, recognise their responsibilities and work together to overcome the challenges facing international peace and security.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan would continue its efforts to promote broader objectives of peace and security in the region and beyond.