At UNSC, Pakistan urges inclusive talks to end Yemen conflict

DNA

NEW YORK, JAN 15 /DNA/: Pakistan has called for an “inclusive” political settlement of the “protracted” conflict in Yemen, warning that millions of people are suffering due to the collapse of basic services, and demanded the release of detained UN and relief personnel.

“We encourage all Yemeni stakeholders and regional partners to engage constructively towards an inclusive and durable political settlement that reflects the aspiration of all the Yemeni people and safeguards regional peace and stability,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council on Wednesday.

Speaking in a debate on the situation in Yemen, the Pakistani envoy voiced deep concern over the recent turn of the events and resurgence of violence and welcomed the call by Aden-based Presidential Leadership Council, the country’s internationally recognised government, to convene comprehensive talks in Riyadh, facilitated by Saudi Arabia, urging all Yemeni stakeholders to negotiate a political solution based on agreed parameters.

Pakistan, he said, reaffirms its commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, and strongly opposed unilateral actions by any Yemeni party that risk deepening divisions, escalating tensions and undermining peace efforts.

In his remarks, the Pakistani envoy reiterated the country’s support for a Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-led political process, grounded in full respect for Yemen’s institutions and the internationally recognised political framework.

Pakistan, he said, supports the active role of the UN and the Special Envoy and appreciates his recent engagements in the region.

Asim also strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN and humanitarian personnel, diplomatic staff and the unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets in areas under Houthi control. He said this move is a “blatant disregard” for international law.

The Pakistani envoy also demanded swift, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access, alongside predictable and adequate funding, to address the dire needs of the suffering of the Yemeni population.

The UNSC, he said, must continue to act with unity to support a credible pathway toward peace and stability in Yemen.

“Pakistan fully supports diplomatic efforts being undertaken by Saudi Arabia towards this end, and also commends the efforts of other regional countries, including Oman and the UAE,” he said.

“We hope that these efforts will result in concrete steps towards achieving lasting peace and an end to the suffering of the Yemeni people,” the envoy added.

At the outset, UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, briefing the 15-member Council, said Yemen’s relative de-escalation since 2022 “was never intended to represent an end state”, warning that recent developments in the south show how quickly stability can unravel.

He stressed that the future of southern Yemen “cannot be determined by any single actor or through force”, underscoring the need for inclusive dialogue, economic stabilisation, and a UN-facilitated nationwide political process.

While military de-escalation has been achieved in recent days, Grundberg cautioned that the security situation remains fragile, especially following rival deployments in southern governorates.