ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed Pakistan’s firm solidarity with Saudi Arabia after an attempted drone attack on Makkah, calling for restraint and an immediate halt to further escalation in the region.
In a statement posted on X, the prime minister condemned the attempted attack on the holy city in the strongest terms and praised the Saudi armed forces for responding swiftly.
He commended what he described as the “extraordinary vigilance, courage, and professionalism” of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces in thwarting the attack.
Shehbaz urged all sides involved in the escalating regional tensions to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could further widen the conflict.
“Our region has already suffered far too much from conflict. Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path towards peace,” he said.
The prime minister reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its commitment to the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
Pakistan condemns Houthi attacks at UN
The development came a day after Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, voiced strong concern over the escalation in Yemen and repeated attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at a UN Security Council session on Yemen on Tuesday, Ahmad said the latest military developments along the Red Sea coast, coupled with Houthi activity inside Yemen and attacks against the Kingdom, had brought the situation to a highly dangerous point.
“Pakistan condemns, in the strongest terms, all Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the ambassador said.
He told the council that Prime Minister Shehbaz had conveyed his condemnation of the attacks to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, warning that the escalation posed risks to regional peace and stability and could have wider repercussions for the global economy and energy security.
Ahmad said Pakistan would continue diplomatic efforts at the highest level to help ease tensions and promote peace in the region.
He reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity, while recognising the Kingdom’s right to take necessary steps to defend itself against threats.
Red Sea escalation threatens maritime trade
The Pakistani envoy also warned about the expanding threat to shipping in and around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s key maritime routes.
He said attacks and other actions affecting commercial vessels were creating increasing risks for freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted movement of international maritime trade.
According to Ahmad, attempts to threaten, block or use strategic waterways as a tool of conflict could have repercussions for global commerce, supply chains and energy security.
He said the relative calm that had prevailed in Yemen since 2022 had deteriorated, raising the prospect of renewed large-scale fighting and a deeper involvement of Yemen in the wider regional conflict.
“This must be prevented,” he said.
Ahmad also drew attention to the humanitarian consequences of the renewed tensions, saying further escalation would add to the hardships already faced by the Yemeni population.
He called for the revival of an inclusive political process led and owned by Yemenis under UN auspices.
Pakistan, he said, would continue supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalation, dialogue and a comprehensive political settlement to achieve lasting peace in Yemen and stability across the region.
Dar condemns attempted attack
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the attempted attack, calling it a provocative act and a violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a post on X, Dar said the incident in the holy city had deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims worldwide and posed a threat to regional peace and security.
He reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people and said Islamabad remained committed to safeguarding the sanctity and security of the two holy mosques, along with the safety of pilgrims, citizens and residents.
