ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned a fresh wave of Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, confirming its “firm and unshakeable” commitment to the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The Foreign Office (FO) issued the statement following a reported attack on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday that, according to the provided report, killed at least 12 people and injured 309 others.
Pakistan Condemns Attack on Civilian Infrastructure
The Foreign Office described the targeting of a civilian airport as an act of terrorism and a serious violation of international law.
It expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Islamabad said continued attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure were unacceptable and called for an immediate end to such acts of aggression. It also urged the international community to adopt a firm position against attacks threatening regional peace and stability.
The Foreign Office confirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed on August 7.
The agreement, which also involves Turkiye, aims to strengthen collective deterrence and deepen security cooperation among its members.
Pakistan also referred to a decision taken by the agreement’s Strategic, Political and Defence Committee during an October 5 meeting in Riyadh.
According to the statement, member states agreed to the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities in the kingdom.
Islamabad reasserted Saudi Arabia’s right to defend itself against threats and acts of aggression while maintaining that the alliance is defensive in nature.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately condemned the attack, describing the targeting of civilian and critical infrastructure as unacceptable and a serious threat to regional stability.
He confirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security, citing the defence agreement and the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen blamed the Houthis for the airport strike, describing it as a war crime.
The provided report said the group had repeatedly targeted Saudi airports, oil facilities and other infrastructure following the breakdown of a truce in July.
Pakistan has repeatedly pledged diplomatic and practical support for Saudi Arabia if the conflict escalates.
However, Islamabad has also emphasised that the Makkah defence alliance is intended for collective deterrence and is defensive in character.
The latest condemnation underscores Pakistan’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia as regional tensions continue to pose challenges to peace and security.
