He urged all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and ensure the protection of civilians and commercial shipping.
Shah expressed serious concern over rising tensions and their potential impact on the security of Gulf countries and the wider region.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s close ties with the Gulf states, he said their security and prosperity were of great importance to Islamabad. He also condemned attacks against members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with their governments and people.
Pakistan condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia
The Pakistani envoy strongly condemned attacks and threats by Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia, including those targeting civilian infrastructure and vessels involved in lawful trade.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, stressing that attacks on civilian facilities, including airports and energy installations, were unacceptable.
Shah also highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, warning that threats to maritime navigation and attacks on commercial vessels endangered seafarers and disrupted international trade.
He said such disruptions could worsen energy and food insecurity, particularly in vulnerable economies.
The envoy called for respect for freedom of navigation, protection of commercial ships and their crews, restoration of normal maritime passage and safe delivery of humanitarian supplies.
Call for dialogue and regional cooperation
Shah said lasting peace required addressing the underlying causes of regional conflicts and instability.
He called for a regional framework based on common security, peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity.
The Pakistani envoy urged all parties to stop attacks, maintain communication channels and support diplomatic initiatives, including the United Nations secretary-general’s efforts to resolve the crisis.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working with Gulf countries, friendly states and international partners to promote de-escalation, maritime security and lasting regional peace.
Pakistan strengthens defence ties with Gulf allies
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have expanded their defence cooperation in recent years, signing a bilateral defence agreement in September 2025.
In August 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye also signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), establishing a trilateral security arrangement.
Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries is treated as an attack against all three, reflecting their commitment to collective defence and regional security.
