UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called for an inclusive political settlement to end Yemen’s protracted conflict, warning that millions of people continue to suffer due to the collapse of basic services and demanding the immediate release of detained United Nations and humanitarian personnel.
Addressing the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad urged all Yemeni stakeholders and regional partners to engage constructively towards a durable political solution that reflects the aspirations of the Yemeni people and safeguards regional peace and stability.
He expressed concern over the recent resurgence of violence and welcomed the call by Yemen’s internationally recognised Presidential Leadership Council, based in Aden, to convene comprehensive talks in Riyadh under Saudi facilitation. He urged all parties to negotiate a political settlement based on agreed international parameters.
Ambassador Asim reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, while strongly opposing unilateral actions by any Yemeni party that could deepen divisions, escalate tensions and undermine peace efforts.
He reiterated Pakistan’s backing for a Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-led political process grounded in respect for Yemen’s institutions and the internationally recognised political framework, and expressed support for the active role of the United Nations and its Special Envoy.
The Pakistani envoy also strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN and humanitarian workers, diplomatic staff and the seizure of UN premises and assets in areas under Houthi control, calling it a blatant disregard for international law. He demanded swift, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access, along with predictable and adequate funding to address the country’s severe humanitarian crisis.
Ambassador Asim said the Security Council must continue to act with unity to support a credible pathway towards peace and stability in Yemen, adding that Pakistan fully supports diplomatic efforts led by Saudi Arabia and commends the role played by regional countries including Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Earlier, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg told the Council that the relative de-escalation since 2022 was never meant to be an end state, warning that recent developments, particularly in southern Yemen, show how quickly stability can unravel.
He stressed that the future of southern Yemen cannot be determined by force or by a single actor, underlining the need for inclusive dialogue, economic stabilisation and a UN-facilitated nationwide political process, while cautioning that the security situation remains fragile despite recent military de-escalation.
