Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Friday condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
In a statement posted on X, the premier said the attacks targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.
“I strongly condemn the repeated terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, which resulted in loss of lives and injuries to civilians,” he wrote.
The PM commended the Saudi armed forces and the coalition supporting the internationally recognised government in Yemen for intercepting ballistic missiles and protecting civilians.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its people and safeguard its infrastructure.
“In line with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, and recent decisions taken by its Strategic Political and Defence Committee, our commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security is resolute,” he added.
PM Shehbaz called on the Houthis to immediately halt their attacks, adding: “We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in the face of these threats.”
The defence agreement, signed on August 7 and also involving Turkiye, aims to strengthen collective deterrence.
It provides for signatory states to treat an attack against one member as an attack against all.
The latest escalation follows a claim by the Houthis on Thursday that they had struck Riyadh’s main international airport with a ballistic missile.
Saudi authorities said that three people were killed and 36 injured in attacks on two international airports, including the facility in Riyadh, after the Houthis claimed to have targeted both sites.
The Saudi-led coalition said it had destroyed the ballistic missile launch platform used in the attack on the capital.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has rejected reports claiming its military is directly involved in combat operations against Yemen’s Houthis, dismissing claims about PAF aircraft and a large-scale troop deployment to Saudi Arabia as fabricated or speculative.
The Information Ministry has urged international media to avoid speculation over Pakistan’s military role under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, saying any deployment details would be announced by the relevant authorities.
