ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed the recent efforts by Saudi Arabia and theUnited Arab Emirates to de-escalate tensions in Yemen, describing them asreflective of a shared commitment to regional peace. Amid escalatingfriction between the two Gulf allies over southern separatist advances,Islamabad reiterated its support for dialogue and Yemen’s territorialintegrity in a balanced diplomatic stance.
The Foreign Office spokesperson highlighted the wisdom displayed by theleadership of both nations in addressing the crisis triggered by aSaudi-led coalition airstrike on Mukalla port. The strike targeted allegedweapons shipments intended for UAE-backed southern separatists, marking asignificant escalation in intra-coalition rivalries within Yemen’s complexcivil war.
Pakistan’s position comes as the Southern Transitional Council consolidatedcontrol over vast southern territories, including oil-rich Hadramoutprovince bordering Saudi Arabia. This rapid offensive in early Decemberprompted Riyadh to view the moves as a threat to its national security,leading to warnings and military actions against perceived Emirati supportfor the separatists.
In response to the airstrike on December 30, Yemen’s internationallyrecognised Presidential Leadership Council, headed by Rashad al-Alimi,demanded the withdrawal of remaining UAE forces within 24 hours, a callendorsed by Saudi Arabia. The UAE subsequently announced a voluntarypullout of its counterterrorism units, denying allegations of arming theseparatists.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasised Pakistan’slongstanding commitment to Yemen’s unity and sovereignty. He expressed hopethat the positive initiatives by Riyadh and Abu Dhabi would pave the wayfor a peaceful resolution, underscoring the need for diplomacy to prevailover unilateral actions that could further destabilise the region.
The crisis has roots in diverging interests since the Saudi-ledintervention in 2015 against Iran-backed Houthis. While both Gulf powersinitially cooperated, the UAE shifted focus to supporting southernseparatists seeking autonomy or independence, contrasting with Saudipreferences for a unified Yemen under the recognised government.
Days before the latest developments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engagedin high-level diplomacy. On December 31, he held a telephonic conversationwith Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reaffirming completesolidarity with the Kingdom and stressing the importance of Muslim unityand coordination to tackle regional challenges.
This call followed Sharif’s meetings with UAE leadership, illustratingPakistan’s delicate balancing act between two key allies. Both Saudi Arabiaand the UAE host millions of Pakistani expatriates and provide criticaleconomic support, including remittances and investments vital toIslamabad’s economy.
Analysts note that the Yemen rift exposes deeper divergences between Riyadhand Abu Dhabi on issues beyond the war, including oil policy andgeopolitical influence. The Houthis, controlling northern Yemen, havereportedly viewed the coalition fracture as advantageous, potentiallycomplicating broader Red Sea security dynamics.
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Pakistan stands ready to contribute to strengthening brotherhood andpartnership in the region, as stated by the Foreign Office. Islamabad’sadvocacy for dialogue aligns with broader calls from international actorsfor restraint and a return to negotiations toward a comprehensive politicalsettlement in Yemen.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, one of the world’s worst,underscores the urgency of de-escalation. With hundreds of thousandsaffected by conflict, famine, and disease over the past decade, sustainedpeace efforts remain crucial for alleviating civilian suffering andrestoring stability.
Pakistan’s neutral yet supportive stance toward both Gulf nations reflectsits strategic interests in maintaining strong ties while promoting regionalharmony. The Foreign Office reiterated opposition to any steps thatundermine peace processes or threaten stability across the Middle East.
As diplomatic channels remain active, observers anticipate furthermediation to bridge the Saudi-UAE divide. Pakistan’s expressed willingnessto play a facilitative role highlights its growing diplomatic engagement inGulf affairs amid evolving regional dynamics.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1964294
Tags: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, SouthernTransitional Council, Rashad al-Alimi, Shehbaz Sharif, Mohammed bin Salman
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