Pakistan urges Houthis to halt Red Sea attacks

Pakistan has called on the Houthi movement to immediately halt attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab al Mandab Strait, warning that continued violence could seriously threaten maritime security and regional stability.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, made the remarks during a UN Security Council meeting focused on the worsening security situation around the strategic waterway.

The meeting was convened by Bahrain as the council continued discussions on growing threats to shipping in the Red Sea. UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari described the situation around Bab al Mandab as increasingly volatile and called for the restoration of freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.

Ambassador Asim said attacks on merchant vessels were undermining maritime security and could negatively affect peace and development across the region. He particularly highlighted the impact on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.

Saudi Arabia’s representative, Abdulaziz M. Alwasil, also warned that the escalation posed risks to Yemen, regional security, international trade and global supply chains. He referred to attacks affecting several Saudi cities and renewed strikes reported on September 14, as well as continued targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Bahrain’s representative Jamal Fares Alrowaei said the escalation was worsening Yemen’s humanitarian situation and called for a stronger response from the Security Council.

China’s representative Sun Lei expressed concern over the deteriorating situation. He stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen and Saudi Arabia and said the protection of commercial shipping was a shared international responsibility.

During the meeting, Pakistan also raised concerns about disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ambassador Asim said instability around both maritime chokepoints could have consequences far beyond the regions directly affected.

He warned that disruptions to shipping could contribute to higher energy prices and increase concerns over global food security. He called for an immediate reduction in tensions, protection of ships and crews, and the restoration of normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan also highlighted its diplomatic efforts following the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the United States. Ambassador Asim said Islamabad had worked with regional and international partners to promote de-escalation, eventually contributing to a ceasefire and the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

He said Pakistan would continue supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving outstanding disputes and restoring stability on land and at sea. Islamabad also expressed its willingness to work with countries in the region and beyond to promote maritime security and protect commercial shipping.