Pakistan has once again underlined the deep importance of Gulf countries security for its own national interests. Speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on the Gulf situation, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, called for an immediate end to military provocations and unlawful attacks in the region.
He expressed serious concern over rising tensions and their impact on the security of brotherly Gulf nations and the wider Middle East. The envoy reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-standing fraternal ties with the Gulf countries and made it clear that their security and prosperity hold immense importance for Islamabad. He strongly condemned all attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council states and expressed full solidarity with their governments and people.
Ambassador Shah particularly condemned Houthi militia attacks and threats against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian infrastructure and vessels engaged in lawful trade. He said such attacks on airports, energy facilities and commercial shipping are completely unacceptable. Pakistan remains firmly committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Saudi Arabia.
The envoy also highlighted the strategic value of the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. He warned that threats to maritime navigation and attacks on merchant vessels endanger seafarers, disrupt global trade and increase energy and food insecurity, especially for vulnerable economies. He called for full respect of navigational rights, protection of commercial shipping and crews, and safe delivery of humanitarian supplies.
Lasting peace, he stressed, can only come by addressing the root causes of regional conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. Ambassador Shah urged all parties to stop attacks, keep communication channels open and support regional initiatives as well as the UN Secretary-General’s good offices. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to work with friendly countries and international partners for de-escalation, maritime security and lasting stability.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have already strengthened defence cooperation through a bilateral agreement signed in September 2025. In August 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye also signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, under which an attack on any one of the three is treated as an attack on all. These steps reflect a shared commitment to collective defence and regional peace.
