ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering” and “shoulder-to-shoulder” support for Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty and security amid recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthis.
In his message marking Saudi National Day, the prime minister strongly condemned the 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,” Shehbaz said in a message posted on his official X account.
Earlier this month, Saudi authorities said their air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it could enter the prohibited airspace over the holy city.
According to a spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen, the incident marked the second reported Houthi attempt to target Makkah.
Pakistan reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia
Following the recent attacks, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan’s armed forces would go “to any extent” to defend Saudi Arabia.
“Pakistan fully stands with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, both diplomatically and physically,” he said in an interview with Arab News.
The Houthis have also announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and have targeted Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea, along with sites inside the kingdom.
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Shehbaz extended his felicitations to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the people of Saudi Arabia on the country’s National Day.
He said Saudi Arabia’s progress and transformation were a source of pride and admiration for both its people and Pakistan.
The prime minister described Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia as a historic and time-tested brotherhood rooted in shared faith, mutual trust and strong ties between the two nations.
Warmest felicitations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on their National Day.
The Kingdom’s remarkable journey of…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 23, 2026
He said that under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the relationship was developing into a stronger strategic partnership based on a shared commitment to peace, security and Muslim unity.
Shehbaz also referred to the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in his message.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defence pact in September 2025 under which aggression against either country would be treated as an attack against both.
Last month, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye also signed the Makkah Defence Alliance, under which an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be regarded as an attack against all three.
