The Foreign Office on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the resurgence of violence in Yemen amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan expresses complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirms its commitment to the security of the kingdom. Islamabad reiterates its support for the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen, he added.
According to Andrabi, Islamabad would support all efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability in the country.
Earlier this week, a Saudi-led coalition conducted an airstrike on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, targeting what it described as foreign military support for U.A.E.-backed southern separatists. The U.A.E. subsequently announced it had voluntarily ended the mission of its counterterrorism units in Yemen.
Referring to the Middle East tensions, the spokesperson said Islamabad strongly opposes unilateral steps by any Yemeni party that may further escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten the peace and stability of Yemen as well as that of the region. “Pakistan welcomes regional efforts for de-escalating the situation and maintaining peace and stability in Yemen,” he added.
Pakistan maintains its firm support for the resolution of the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy, he emphasized, hoping Yemen’s people and regional powers would work together to achieve an inclusive and enduring settlement of the issue, safeguarding regional stability.
Regional dialogue
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman exchanged a phone call in which the premier stressed on maintaining peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said both leaders had discussed bilateral ties and the evolving situation in the region.
Sharif emphasized the need for unity and coordination within the Muslim Ummah to address prevailing challenges. Reiterating Pakistan’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, he highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and security through regional dialogue and diplomacy.
The Saudi crown prince thanked the prime minister for making the telephone call and reaffirmed commitment to increasing cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest. He also expressed an intent to pay an official visit to Pakistan in 2026.
Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the long-standing brotherly relations between the two countries.