Dar condemns Houthi attacks, reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure as totally unacceptable. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.

Dar made the remarks on Wednesday during a joint press conference with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Islamabad following the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).

Dar said both countries shared concerns over regional security and agreed that attacks on civilians and violations of international law posed serious threats to peace and stability. He added that Pakistan stood in solidarity with Saudi Arabia in accordance with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

The two ministers also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed the need to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of aid to Palestinians. They called for diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions and prevent further escalation.

Dar said Pakistan and Oman believed dialogue and diplomacy were essential to resolving conflicts. He noted that their discussions covered the US-Iran conflict, developments in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Oman’s foreign minister praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Albusaidi said both countries were committed to strengthening cooperation and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting regional peace.

The ministers also discussed expanding economic relations. Dar said the two sides had agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation through new agreements, including a protocol related to the joint commission and a mutual visa exemption arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

They also agreed to explore the organisation of a business-to-business investment forum in Pakistan to encourage trade and investment. Dar said stronger engagement could help unlock opportunities across several sectors.

Albusaidi highlighted the potential for cooperation in trade, logistics, port connectivity, energy and food security. He also called for greater collaboration in tourism, education, technology and people-to-people exchanges.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s objection to India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the move as a violation of international law. He warned that the dispute threatened Pakistan’s water, food and energy security.

The foreign minister also said a proposed free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council could help boost commercial activity. According to Dar, nearly all GCC member states had expressed agreement with the proposal.

Albusaidi arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a two-day official visit. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to strengthening longstanding ties while coordinating diplomatic efforts on regional security and expanding economic cooperation.