UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), declaring that it would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the kingdom in the face of continued Houthi attacks. Addressing the UNSC’s monthly briefing on Yemen on Friday evening, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia and called for an immediate end to the hostilities, invoking the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and recent decisions of its Strategic Political and Defence Committee. “In line with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, and recent decisions taken by its Strategic Political and Defence Committee, our commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security is resolute,” Ambassador Ahmad said, quoting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement issued the previous day. He said Pakistan fully supported Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend its people and protect its cities and vital infrastructure. The ambassador condemned Houthi attacks targeting infrastructure in the Makkah Governorate and the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah. He also recalled Pakistan’s condemnation of attacks on King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport that resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. “The Houthi militia must immediately cease these attacks,” he said, reiterating Pakistan’s solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people. “The security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques must be respected at all times,” the statement quoted the prime minister as saying. Beyond the security of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Ahmad reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, as well as its internationally recognised government. He warned that the intensifying Houthi offensive along Yemen’s western coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait underscored the urgency of protecting maritime security. The envoy called on the Houthis to cease attacks on commercial shipping and urged that freedom of navigation be upheld in accordance with international law. The ambassador also expressed support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s efforts to contain the escalation, maintain communication and facilitate a cessation of hostilities. He called for an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under UN auspices. Addressing the worsening humanitarian situation, Ambassador Ahmad said renewed fighting, including the offensive around Taiz and the attack by Houthi elements on Aden airport, had further exposed civilians and essential infrastructure to danger. He called for safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access, adequate funding for relief operations and the protection of civilian infrastructure. Food, fuel and essential commercial supplies, he stressed, must reach all those in need. Pakistan also reiterated its call for the immediate, unconditional and safe release of detained UN, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel. “The council must act with unity and purpose to halt Houthi attacks, safeguard regional security, alleviate suffering and restore a credible path towards a political settlement,” Ambassador Ahmad said. Pakistan, he added, would continue to support efforts towards a peaceful, stable and united Yemen and work to advance lasting peace and stability in the region.