Settlement in Yemen must include the Houthis — Dawn
Pakistani publication Dawn stated in an editorial that a negotiated settlement of the conflict in Yemen must take place with the participation of the Houthis. The publication noted that the situation around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is extremely serious and could trigger a broader military confrontation in the region and harm the global economy.
Pakistan's position
According to Dawn's assessment, Pakistan has taken a balanced position in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, while confirming support for Saudi Arabia's security, stated the need for dialogue and diplomacy instead of coercive measures. Islamabad also supports a negotiated resolution of the conflict with the Houthis, whom the publication describes as a pro-Iranian movement.
The editorial board recalled that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, supported by Western militaries, have failed to push back the Houthis since the start of the Saudi military campaign in 2015. In 2022, Riyadh agreed to a ceasefire, which later ceased to be in effect.
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Humanitarian situation and negotiations
Dawn noted that the Houthis have close ties with Iran, but are also a local Yemeni movement with deep cultural and political roots and tribal support, especially in the north of the country. In the publication's view, this means they cannot be eliminated through military strikes alone, and any settlement must provide for their participation.
According to UN data cited by Dawn, nearly 100,000 people were forced to leave their homes as a result of the latest round of hostilities, while around 20 million need assistance because of acute hunger. The publication also reported that there are reports of Saudi Arabia's attempts to establish negotiations with the Houthis through Omani mediation.
The editorial believes that for lasting peace, the Houthis must keep the Bab el-Mandeb Strait open to all and stop attacks on Saudi Arabia. In return, the kingdom, according to Dawn, must lift the blockade of Houthi-controlled territories. After hostilities cease, negotiations may focus on forming an inclusive Yemeni government involving all of the country's tribal and religious groups.
