United Nations, February 13, 2025(Ghufran) :Pakistan has called for a viable roadmap leading to a nationwide ceasefire, and a structured political process, one which is also capable of addressing critical economic and humanitarian challenges facing Yemen, warning that the resumption of military operations will further exacerbate the conflict.
In a UN Security Council briefing on Yemen today, Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said that the ongoing conflict in Yemen has emerged as a multidimensional crisis with global implications. He said that the efforts needed to be accelerated to address the various facets of this crisis through effective diplomacy and a collective response.
While welcoming the release of the crew of the Galaxy leader, the Pakistan UN Ambassador strongly condemned the arbitrary detention of UN personnel and the staff of international and national NGOs and diplomatic missions by Ansar-Allah.
We are appalled at the tragic death of a World Food Programme staff member in Houthi custody in Saada and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. These actions are a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
He urged the international community to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and called for accountability for such actions. He also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN personnel.
Highlighting the grave humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Ambassador Munir Akram said that nearly half of the population, 17 million people, faces acute food insecurity, while climate change-induced disasters, including floods and droughts, have displaced approximately 4.5 million individuals.
He said that the ongoing crisis necessitates a well-coordinated and robust international response and appealed to the donor countries to enhance their contributions to the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen.
Pakistan also condemned the Houthi attacks on commercial and merchant vessels and noted the Secretary-General’s report of 7 February 2025, which indicates that no new incidents of attacks on shipping have been recorded in the past month. Ambassador Akram said that this development is obviously related to the ceasefire in Gaza.
It is imperative to therefore ensure that the ceasefire in Gaza continues and all three phases of the ceasefire agreement are implemented, for the sake of peace in the occupied Palestinian territories as well as in the broader region, including Yemen.
Ambassador Akram said that the December 2023 negotiations marked a significant step forward in Yemen. He said it is imperative to preserve and consolidate the progress so far, and ensure the full implementation of commitments toward lasting peace.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s full support for the efforts of the Special Envoy to facilitate a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under UN auspices.
We reaffirm our support for the efforts of the United Nations, Special Envoy Grundberg, as well as regional initiatives, particularly by Saudi Arabia and Oman to facilitate a negotiated political settlement.
Ambassador Munir Akram said that we stand in solidarity with the people of Yemen in their pursuit for peace, stability and prosperity.