Pakistan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia at an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Yemen (Express Tribune).
Who spoke
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN.
What he said
“Pakistan condemns, in the strongest terms, all Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
“Any attempt to threaten, obstruct, or weaponise the vital waterways will have consequences.”
“Continued escalation risks reigniting a full-scale conflict and drawing Yemen deeper into wider regional confrontation.”
What Pakistan called for
– urgent de-escalation – a UN-led political process on Yemen – support for Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its territory under international law – protection of freedom of navigation in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait – resumption of inclusive, Yemeni-led dialogue
The sentence that is doing the most work
“Any attempt to threaten, obstruct, or weaponise the vital waterways will have consequences.”
Note what it does not do. It names no actor and specifies no consequence, and the plural “waterways” covers both Bab al-Mandeb, where the Houthis have taken islands, and the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted shipping since 28 February.
A formulation that applies to the Houthis and to Iran without naming either is a deliberate construction. Pakistan borders Iran and has a defence pact with Saudi Arabia; a sentence that condemns the conduct while leaving the subject unstated is the most it can say in that chamber.
Where Pakistan’s interest actually lies
Freedom of navigation is not an abstraction here. Pakistan imports the overwhelming share of the crude and refined product it burns, and petrol has risen Rs38.47 a litre since 7 September as the two straits have been contested.
What is not established
No Security Council outcome, resolution or presidential statement has been reported from the meeting. Pakistan did not specify what consequences it envisages, or by whom.
[Image: Screengrab via The Express Tribune]
