Pakistan Calls on Houthi Militia to End Provocative Actions in Red Sea

NEW YORK: Pakistan has condemned attacks on commercial shipping attributed to the Houthi militia around the Bab al-Mandab Strait and called for an immediate end to actions that threaten maritime security, regional stability and international trade.

Addressing the UN Security Council on the situation in Yemen, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the expansion of Houthi militia attacks around Bab al-Mandab represented a serious escalation. He warned that continued threats to commercial shipping could have consequences far beyond the region.

Asim Iftikhar strongly condemned attacks attributed to the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity.

He said Pakistan stood in complete solidarity with the Saudi leadership, government and people, while supporting the Kingdom’s right under international law to take necessary measures to defend its territory and protect its citizens and national assets.

Pakistan’s position comes amid renewed attacks affecting Saudi territory, civilian infrastructure and residential areas, according to statements presented to the Security Council.

The Pakistani envoy warned that attacks and threats affecting the Bab al-Mandab Strait could undermine freedom of navigation and disrupt international maritime commerce.

He said developments around Bab al-Mandab, together with continuing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, demonstrated that maritime crises could have economic consequences extending across countries and continents.

The UN’s Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Khaled Khiari, separately told the Security Council that the situation around Bab al-Mandab had become increasingly volatile, with fighting intensifying along Yemen’s western coast as the Houthi militia advanced toward the strategic waterway.

Asim Iftikhar said instability around the region’s major maritime corridors posed risks to global supply chains, energy security and international trade.

He warned that disruptions in the two waterways could contribute to higher energy prices and increase concerns over food security worldwide.

The remarks reflect Pakistan’s concerns over the impact of regional military tensions on commercial shipping and global economic stability.

The Pakistani envoy also referred to Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts following the outbreak of the wider conflict in the region.

He said Pakistan had worked with friends and partners to promote de-escalation and broader regional stability, contributing to a ceasefire and the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States.

Pakistan, he said, would continue efforts to resolve outstanding issues through negotiations and support the restoration of normal conditions on land and at sea.

Asim Iftikhar called on the Houthi militia to immediately end its provocative actions, warning that continued attacks on commercial vessels could have serious consequences for maritime security, regional peace and stability.

He said Pakistan was ready to work with peace-oriented countries in the region and beyond to strengthen maritime security and protect commercial and civilian shipping.

The UN has also urged all parties in Yemen to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law and facilitate safe humanitarian access amid the worsening security situation.