Islamabad, September 12,2026: Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen to Pakistan, Mohammad Motahhar Alashabi, has said that Yemen will not allow any foreign-supported militia to rule over any part of the country, reaffirming that the Yemeni state will safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
Speaking during an interaction with media persons in Islamabad, Ambassador Alashabi said that Yemen was facing serious challenges from armed groups receiving weapons and financial support from various sources.
He said that some regional powers were providing weapons, missiles and drones to the Houthis, adding that Yemen expected the international community to play its due role in restoring peace and stability in the country.
“This is not only Yemen’s problem; it is also a challenge for the international community,” he said, adding that Yemen’s national security was under threat and that the situation also posed serious international concerns, particularly in view of the strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The Ambassador said a significant portion of global maritime trade passes through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Referring to the regional energy crisis and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, he said petroleum prices had risen sharply, creating difficulties for people around the world.
Ambassador Alashabi said that the situation in eastern and southern Yemen involved foreign intervention and support for armed militias, posing a serious threat to human security.
Without naming any country or party, he alleged that armed mercenaries equipped with lethal weapons were being sent and encouraged through the exploitation of religious sentiments to fight against the Yemeni state.
He warned that if Bab al-Mandab were to fall under Houthi control, it would not remain Yemen’s problem alone but would become a major concern for the entire international community.
“The blockage of Bab al-Mandab, particularly amid tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, could lead to a much bigger and more dangerous conflict for the whole world,” he said.
The Yemeni Ambassador said that Yemen wanted peace and had been facing the current crisis for the past 12 years. He questioned how the Houthis had acquired sophisticated missiles and drones, noting that the Yemeni state itself did not possess such weapons.
Ambassador Alashabi said that the Yemeni government had repeatedly offered dialogue to restore peace, unity and stability in the country, but the Houthis had not shown readiness to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Commenting on Pakistan’s possible role, the Ambassador said Yemen attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan and that the two countries shared common interests.
“Pakistan is an important country, particularly in the context of the Middle East. We look forward to Pakistan playing any possible role in defusing the escalation and helping pave the way for dialogue and peace in our region,” Ambassador Alashabi added.
