Pakistan pledges firm support for Saudi Arabia’s security at UN
Pakistan pledged support for Saudi Arabia’s security at the UN, urging the Security Council to act against Houthi attacks and prevent escalation
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Pakistan’s outgoing ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, addresses the Security Council on Friday.
PakistanUN_NY/x
Pakistan’s outgoing UN ambassador, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, pledged unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity on Friday.
Speaking at the Security Council’s monthly briefing on Yemen, he urged the council to take concerted action to stop Houthi attacks and prevent further escalation in the region.
What did Pakistan say about Saudi Arabia’s security at the UN?
Ambassador Ahmad condemned attacks on the kingdom and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. He said Pakistan supported Saudi Arabia’s right to protect its population, cities and critical infrastructure. He cited a statement issued a day earlier by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
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
“Our commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security is resolute,” Ahmad said. He also referred to recent decisions by the agreement’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee. He condemned strikes targeting infrastructure in Makkah province and the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah.
He recalled earlier attacks on King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport that caused civilian casualties.
What is Pakistan’s position on the conflict in Yemen?
Beyond the security situation, the ambassador called for urgent measures to address Yemen’s worsening humanitarian crisis. He warned that renewed fighting was deepening civilian suffering. “Safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access, protection of civilian infrastructure, and adequate funding for relief operations are indispensable,” he told the council.
He also called for the immediate, unconditional and safe release of United Nations personnel, humanitarian workers and diplomatic staff being held in Yemen.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position on the conflict, Ahmad said Islamabad supported Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, as well as its internationally recognised government. He urged the Security Council to act decisively to halt Houthi attacks, protect regional stability, ease humanitarian suffering and revive prospects for a political settlement.
In his final address to the council as Pakistan’s permanent representative, Ahmad said Islamabad would continue its efforts to promote lasting peace and stability in Yemen and the wider region.
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