What happened
According to Dawn, Pakistan reaffirmed its resolute support for Saudi Arabia's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity during a United Nations Security Council briefing on Yemen. Speaking on Friday evening, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, declared that his country stands directly alongside the kingdom against ongoing Houthi strikes. Invoking the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and decisions from its Strategic Political and Defence Committee, the ambassador quoted a statement issued the prior day by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's legitimate right to protect its people, infrastructure, and holy sites.
Key facts
As reported by Dawn, the address to the UN Security Council detailed key regional security and humanitarian issues:
- The ambassador condemned Houthi attacks targeting infrastructure in the Makkah Governorate and the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah, as well as strikes on King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport that caused civilian casualties. Specific casualty figures and attack dates were not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
- Pakistan called for an immediate end to Houthi assaults against commercial shipping along Yemen's western coast and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, urging that maritime freedom of navigation be preserved under international law.
- The envoy reaffirmed support for Yemen's sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognized government, while endorsing UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg's efforts to advance an inclusive, Yemeni-led political settlement.
- The briefing noted severe humanitarian strain caused by conflict around Taiz and an attack on Aden airport, calling for safe, rapid aid delivery, adequate relief funding, and the immediate, unconditional release of detained UN, diplomatic, and humanitarian personnel.
Why it matters
According to Dawn, Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to demonstrate unified action to stop Houthi aggression, safeguard regional stability, and alleviate civilian hardship. The ambassador emphasized that upholding the security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques, alongside protecting vital international maritime routes, remains essential for securing long-term peace in Yemen and the surrounding region.
Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 10, 2026 · Photo by Javier Virues-Ortega on Unsplash