Pakistan condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, calls for immediate halt at UNSC
Pakistan on Saturday condemned continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of infrastructure in Makkah and Madinah, calling for an immediate end to the strikes and warning that they posed “a grave threat to regional peace and security”.
“The security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques must be respected at all times,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said during the UN Security Council’s monthly briefing on Yemen.
“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,” Ahmad said.
He added that Pakistan also strongly condemned Houthi terrorist attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport, which resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.
“We call for an immediate end of such reckless attacks that constitute a grave threat to regional peace and security,” the envoy stated.
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)
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Madam President,
1. I would like to thank you in particular for your kind words addressed to me… pic.twitter.com/Ix7lQzOqlz
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) October 9, 2026
Quoting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement issued a day earlier, the envoy said that, “Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the leadership and people of brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
“In line with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, and recent decisions taken by its Strategic Political and Defence Committee, our commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security is resolute,” he quoted the prime minister as saying.
“We also fully support Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend its people and protect its cities and vital infrastructure,” Ahmad said, quoting PM Shehbaz.
He said that the Houthi militia must “immediately cease these attacks” and will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in the face of these threats.
At the briefing, the envoy described Yemen’s descent into conflict as “deeply alarming”, citing the escalation of hostilities, continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, threats to commercial shipping, fighting around Taiz and Bab el-Mandeb, and the deepening humanitarian crisis.
“These developments demand our urgent attention,” he said, setting out four priorities for Pakistan: condemning attacks on Saudi Arabia, supporting Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, backing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, and protecting civilians.
Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s “sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity” and its internationally recognised government.
Read: PM Shehbaz condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, calls for immediate halt
Ahmad said the intensifying Houthi offensive along Yemen’s western coast and around Bab el-Mandeb underscored the urgency of protecting maritime security.
“Houthis must cease attacks on commercial shipping,” he said. “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,” he added.
Ahmad expressed support for UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg’s efforts, including his recent engagements, and called for greater diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
“All diplomatic channels must be used to contain escalation, maintain communication and facilitate a cessation of hostilities,” he said.
Ahmad added that Pakistan supported Grundberg’s mediation role and his call for political strategies to resolve the conflict. “These efforts should restore a credible, inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under United Nations auspices,” he said.
At the beginning of his remarks, Ahmad thanked the special envoy and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mohammad Yahya for their briefings. He also acknowledged the remarks by Inger Ashing.
He thanked the Security Council president for her words addressed to him, saying he believed they also reflected goodwill towards Pakistan. “It has been a great honour representing Pakistan at the United Nations and in the Security Council,” he said.
Ahmad also thanked fellow council members for the opportunity to work with them and praised their commitment to the shared objective of maintaining international peace and security, which he called the council’s primary responsibility.
He thanked UN Secretary-General António Guterres, senior officials in the Secretariat, special envoys including Grundberg, special representatives in the field, and thousands of UN peacekeepers deployed on various missions for their contributions.
He also acknowledged the work of colleagues in the Secretariat’s Security Council Affairs Division and his own team for their support.
“Together, we have achieved a lot,” Ahmad said, adding that numerous situations and challenges still required the council’s collective attention and continued work, with Yemen among them.
Turning to the humanitarian situation, the envoy warned that renewed fighting was worsening conditions for civilians.
He pointed to the offensive around Taiz and an attack by Houthi elements on Aden airport, saying both highlighted the vulnerability of civilian populations and essential infrastructure.
“Civilians must be protected,” he said. “Safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access, protection of civilian infrastructure, and adequate funding for relief operations are indispensable,” Ahmad added.
“Food, fuel and essential commercial supplies must reach all those in need,” he said.
Pakistan also reiterated its call for the “immediate, unconditional and safe release” of detained United Nations, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel.
Concluding his remarks, Ahmad urged the Security Council to respond collectively to the conflict, “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,” he said.
Ahmad reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Yemeni people and “efforts towards a peaceful, stable and united Yemen, and will continue to make every effort to advance lasting peace and stability in the region.”
Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted 3 Houthi ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh, Khamis Mushait
The latest attacks followed a series of Houthi missile and drone strikes targeting Saudi airports and other infrastructure. Saudi authorities said three people were killed and 36 injured, including a Pakistani national, in attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport on October 6 and 7.
The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed multiple ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh and Khamis Mushait in the southwestern Asir region. Coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki al-Maliki said two missiles had been fired towards the Saudi capital and another towards Khamis Mushait.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the group had targeted King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile, saying the strike had disrupted air traffic. He also warned workers at Saudi oil facilities and airlines operating in Saudi airspace about locations the group had declared targets for its military operations.
In response, the Saudi-led coalition said it had struck more than 80 Houthi military sites across the Yemeni governorates of Saada, Hodeidah, Jawf and Marib, warning that the attacks on Saudi Arabia “will not go unpunished”.