ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday called on Yemen’s Houthi militia to halt its military actions targeting the government-held city of Marib and warned that a conflict could lead to human catastrophe.

“Pakistan expresses deep concern at the recent escalation of conflict in Yemen, as the city of Marib is threatened by the Houthi militias. We believe that if military conflict engulfs Marib, it will result in a serious humanitarian catastrophe,” FO said in a statement.

The statement was issued a day after Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s telephone conversation with Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Jubeir.

Reports suggested that the Houthi militia was advancing on several fronts towards the northern city of Marib, which is the last major city controlled by the Saudi-backed government.

It is said that capture of the strategic city of Marib could tip the military balance in favour of the militia and solidify their control of the north, allowing them to push towards the south and also towards border with Saudi Arabia.

“We urge all parties to the conflict in Yemen, in particular the Houthis, to cease military actions, engage in a serious dialogue to end the conflict on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and respond positively to the proposals made by Martin Griffith, the United Nations’ Special Envoy to Yemen,” FO said.

Griffith’s proposals urge both sides to agree on a process to end the civil war. The proposals further call for a nationwide ceasefire, including cessation of all air, ground and naval hostilities.

“Pakistan believes that war serves no purpose, and all issues can be resolved through peaceful dialogue. Adopting this path early will save thousands of innocent lives, as well as the future of the Yemeni people,” FO said.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2020