ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security, saying Islamabad stands “shoulder to shoulder” with the kingdom in the face of recent attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthis.
In a message marking Saudi Arabia’s National Day on Wednesday, the prime minister strongly condemned the attacks, with particular reference to an alleged Houthi drone attempt targeting the vicinity of Makkah.
“Any threat to the sanctity and security of the Haramain Sharifain deeply wounds the sentiments of Muslims across the world,” Shehbaz said in a message shared on his official X account.
Saudi authorities earlier this month reported that their air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it could enter restricted airspace over the holy city.
According to a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, the incident marked the second reported attempt by the Houthis to target Makkah.
The Houthis have also announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea, while attacks have also been reported against locations inside Saudi territory.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed solidarity with Riyadh following the incidents. Inter-Services Public Relations Director-General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry recently said Pakistan’s armed forces would go “to any extent” to protect Saudi Arabia.
“Pakistan fully stands with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, both diplomatically and physically,” he told Arab News.
In his National Day message, Shehbaz also conveyed his greetings to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people.
He praised Saudi Arabia’s economic and social transformation, describing the kingdom’s progress as a source of pride and admiration for both its own people and Pakistan.
The prime minister highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries, saying their relationship was founded on shared faith, mutual confidence and close bonds between their peoples.
He said the relationship was developing into a stronger strategic partnership under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with both countries sharing commitments to peace, security and unity among Muslim countries.
Shehbaz also highlighted the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as key developments in bilateral security cooperation.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defence pact in September 2025 under which aggression against either country would be treated as aggression against both.
Last month, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye also signed the Makkah Defence Alliance, committing the three countries to regard an armed attack on any one member as an attack on all three.
