FO denounces drone attacks on Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent missile and drone strikes by Houthis on Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri in a statement on Tuesday termed the strikes violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He further said, “Pakistan expresses full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supports the kingdom’s right to defend itself against aggression.”

The spokesperson said that Pakistan expresses deep concern at the recent escalation of conflict in Yemen, as the city of Marib is threatened by the Houthi militias.

“We appreciate the positive step taken by the coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen when it unilaterally declared ceasefire earlier this year. It is, however, regrettable that this step was not reciprocated positively, he added.

The spokesman said that Pakistan has consistently urged all parties to the conflict in Yemen to engage in a meaningful and peaceful dialogue to end the hostilities, in line with the UN Security Council resolution.

He said, “We believe that if military conflict engulfs Marib, it will result in a serious humanitarian catastrophe.”

Pakistan urged all parties to the conflict in Yemen, in particular the Houthis, to cease military actions, engage in a serious dialogue to end the conflict on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and respond positively to the proposals made by Martin Griffith, the United Nation’s special envoy to Yemen.

Pakistan believes that war serves no purpose, and all issues can be resolved through peaceful dialogue. Adopting this path early will save thousands of innocent lives, as well as the future of the Yemeni people, Hafeez added.