ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering” support for Saudi Arabia amid recent Houthi attacks on the kingdom.
In a message marking Saudi National Day, the prime minister said Pakistan stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Saudi Arabia in protecting its sovereignty, security and the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites.
Shehbaz strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks, particularly the reported attempt to target Makkah with a drone.
“Any threat to the sanctity and security of the Haramain Sharifain deeply wounds the sentiments of Muslims across the world,” he said.
Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it entered the prohibited airspace over the holy city.
Pakistan has also condemned the attacks through diplomatic and military channels. On September 17, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Islamabad remained committed to its defence agreements with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
PM Reaffirms Pak-Saudi Brotherhood
The prime minister extended his greetings to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people on National Day.
He said Saudi Arabia’s progress and transformation remained a source of pride and admiration for Pakistan.
Shehbaz described the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as a historic partnership rooted in faith, mutual trust and close ties between the two peoples.
He said the relationship had developed into a stronger strategic partnership under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The prime minister also referred to the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Pakistan Reaffirms Defence Commitments
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025. The agreement states that aggression against either country would be considered aggression against both.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye later signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August 2026. Under the pact, an armed attack against one of the three countries would be regarded as an attack against all three.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has stressed that the Makkah agreement is defensive in nature. It has also said that no military action was under discussion in response to the recent Houthi attacks.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt issued a joint statement on September 22 affirming Riyadh’s right to defend itself under international law. The countries also called for safe navigation and supported dialogue and diplomacy to address regional conflicts.
