PM Shehbaz condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia in call with crown prince

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif discussed the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday. The prime minister strongly condemned the attacks, which targeted civilian and economic infrastructure, and emphasized Pakistan's full support for Saudi Arabia and its people.

Shehbaz stated that the Houthi actions posed a threat to regional peace and security, potentially disrupting global economy and energy supplies. He added that the Defense Forces Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar would continue efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peace in the region.

The prime minister also praised the Saudi crown prince's leadership during the crisis and conveyed his warm regards to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appreciated Pakistan's unwavering support for Saudi Arabia and their efforts for regional peace and stability. They agreed to maintain close communication and expressed their desire to meet soon.

The Houthi attacks occurred days after Iran warned of potential disruptions to Gulf energy infrastructure, following a cycle of pauses and flare-ups in the six-month-long conflict. The attacks sent oil prices soaring to six-week highs and caused fires at energy facilities, resulting in injuries to several people. Pakistan has been a dual role for Saudi Arabia as a defense partner and Washington's backchannel to Tehran, but the recent fighting between Houthi and Saudi forces is testing Islamabad's ability to maintain both positions.

The conflict represents the first major test of the defense pact signed between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, along with an existing pact between Islamabad and Riyadh. Pakistani officials worry that the Houthi threat could pull Islamabad into a war, unlike earlier Iranian missile strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure this year. Pakistani soldiers are deployed near the Saudi-Yemen border, increasing their direct exposure.