PM Shehbaz condemns fresh Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, reiterates commitment to kingdom's security under Makkah pact

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed strong condemnation of recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, emphasizing Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the kingdom's security and sovereignty under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Signed on August 7, the defense pact with Turkey aims to enhance collective deterrence and ensure that any attack on one member country is treated as an attack on all.

In a post on X, Shehbaz highlighted the attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, noting civilian casualties. He praised the Saudi military for their "vigilance and professionalism" in intercepting ballistic missiles. The premier reiterated Pakistan's steadfast support for Saudi Arabia, affirming that the kingdom's right to self-defense is fully backed.

He urged the Houthis to cease their attacks immediately and pledged continued solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of ongoing threats. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for missile strikes on the Saudi capital's main international airport and another in Abha, resulting in civilian casualties. Saudi authorities reported casualties and injuries in the attacks and stated that they had destroyed the missile launch platform used.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, are clashing with Saudi-backed forces following the reignition of the civil war in July. Despite Yemen's internationally recognized government declaring a counter-offensive, both sides claim victories and military sources have not reported significant changes on the ground. Pakistan has consistently expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, agreeing to deploy military forces during an emergency Makkah Defence Alliance meeting in Riyadh.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif affirmed that Pakistan's commitment to Saudi Arabia is unconditional and that the alliance is primarily defensive.