ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday strongly condemned a reported Houthi militia attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
According to Saudi authorities, the attack on Saturday killed at least 12 people and injured 309 others.
The Saudi civil aviation authority said the victims included four Saudis and two Bangladeshis. One person each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt also died.
PM Shehbaz Condemns Attack
In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the incident a “heinous attack”. He offered condolences to the victims’ families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
“Attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and constitute a serious threat to regional peace and stability,” the prime minister said.
He stressed that such violence violates international law. Therefore, he called for an immediate end to these attacks.
Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia, its leadership and its people. He highlighted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and the longstanding ties between the two countries.
“We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security,” he said.
Foreign Office Strongly Condemns Attack
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office (FO) also condemned the reported Houthi attack. It described the targeting of a civilian airport as an act of terrorism and a serious threat to regional stability.
The FO expressed concern over reports of deaths and injuries. It also offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a full recovery.
“The continued targeting of civilian population and critical infrastructure by the Houthi militia is utterly unacceptable and must be condemned unequivocally by the international community,” the FO said.
The statement added that such “brazen and indiscriminate acts of aggression” could not be justified. It called for an immediate halt to the attacks.
Furthermore, the Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia amid repeated attacks.
“In accordance with the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defence and the recent decisions taken by its Strategic, Political and Defence Committee, Pakistan reiterates its firm and unshakeable commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement said.
The FO also supported Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its territory and protect its people. This includes safeguarding cities and vital infrastructure against threats and aggression.
Pakistan urged the Houthi militia to stop its attacks. It also called on the international community to take a firm stand against actions that endanger civilians and undermine regional peace.
“Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, resolute in its commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, security and defence,” the statement added.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye Discuss Defence Cooperation
The latest statement followed a trilateral meeting involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
On October 6, the Foreign Office said the three countries had agreed to facilitate the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
The decision came during an emergency meeting of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) in Riyadh. According to the FO, implementation would follow approved arrangements and the national laws of all three countries.
Later that day, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan and Turkiye had been supporting Saudi Arabia in its operations against the Houthis in Yemen.
