S. Korean envoy condemns Houthi attacks, calls for stronger U.N. sanctions to block weapons supplies

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed Pakistan's backing for Saudi Arabia in a recent meeting with the kingdom's newly appointed ambassador, Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy. The premier welcomed Albugamy to Pakistan and praised him for taking up his new duties. Albugamy had arrived in Islamabad on Thursday, reiterating the dedication to enhancing strategic and friendly relations between the two nations.

During the discussion, Shehbaz highlighted the significant strides made in Pakistan-Saudi ties over the past years and reiterated Islamabad's commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors. He strongly denounced the recent surge in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, which had led to casualties, including Pakistani citizens.

The prime minister also noted that the country has always been there for the other, emphasizing that the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance are "historic milestones" in their enduring fraternal bonds and demonstrate their shared dedication to regional peace and stability. Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Saudi leadership for their long-standing economic and financial aid to Pakistan and assured the ambassador of Pakistan's unreserved support and collaboration in further fortifying bilateral connections.

This meeting took place as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile. On Wednesday, Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for targeting Saudi Aramco facilities in response to Saudi airstrikes in Riyadh, where the energy company's operations center is located. Powerful blasts were felt in the Saudi capital, and the coalition combating the Houthis reported intercepting a missile launched by the group towards Riyadh.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia retaliated by launching strikes on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen, targeting fuel and energy facilities that reportedly supported their missile and drone assaults. In reaction, Saudi authorities warned of possible hostile aerial threats in the kingdom's eastern region and Riyadh, and witnesses heard loud explosions near Saudi Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran.

Four individuals were injured by debris from two intercepted Houthi cruise missiles in the capital, and 15 homes were damaged. The Houthis have persistently targeted Saudi airports, energy installations, and tankers since the truce in their ongoing conflict with Yemen's coalition government broke down in July. In light of this, Pakistan has consistently demonstrated solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

In an emergency session of the Makkah pact in Riyadh on October 5, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye agreed to swiftly deploy military forces and capabilities. Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated that Pakistan and Turkiye have a "presence in theatre," while only Saudi troops were engaged in combat operations. Asif also reaffirmed Pakistan's unconditional commitment to the kingdom's security and pledged to "practically and diplomatically" stand by Saudi Arabia against Yemen's Houthi rebels if tensions escalate.

The defence minister emphasized that Pakistan would fulfill all its commitments under the Makkah Defence Alliance as per the terms of the agreement among the three nations. Simultaneously, Pakistan has asserted that the alliance is defensive in nature and aimed at collective deterrence.