Pakistan stands 'shoulder to shoulder' with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan's unwavering support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and security on the country's National Day, celebrated annually on September 23. The National Day commemorates the unification of the kingdom under King Abdulaziz in 1932. In a message on X, the Pakistani premier congratulated the Saudi kingdom on its "remarkable journey of progress and transformation" and reiterated condemnation of recent Houthi attacks, including an attempted drone strike on Makkah.

PM Shehbaz emphasized that threats to the safety of the Haramain Sharifain, Islam's most sacred sites, deeply hurt Muslims worldwide. He stressed that Pakistan stands "shoulder to shoulder" with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and the sanctity of these holy sites. The premier noted that under Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's dynamic leadership, Saudi Arabia continues to advance towards prosperity, modernization, and innovation.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have strengthened their strategic partnership through the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, signed in September 2025, states that any attack on either nation is considered an act of aggression against both, while the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed on August 7 by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, empowers member states to treat an attack against one as an attack against all.

PM Shehbaz expressed hope that the bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will continue to strengthen. The prime minister's message comes amid ongoing conflict between the Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government, which has involved Saudi Arabia, with the Houthis imposing a maritime blockade on the kingdom and targeting its ships in the Red Sea.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has reaffirmed Pakistan's unconditional commitment to Saudi Arabia's security, both practically and diplomatically, if the situation escalates.