Pakistan condemns Houthi attack on Madinah power station
The Foreign Office said the attack targeted civilian infrastructure that supplies electricity to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque, one of Islam’s most sacred sites. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan described the incident as a serious provocation and said it had caused deep concern among Muslims around the world.
Pakistan also stressed that the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of worshippers and pilgrims must be respected under all circumstances. The Foreign Office called for an immediate end to such actions, saying they pose a serious threat to peace and security in the region.
Pakistan stands with Saudi Arabia
The Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia following the attack.
Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan supports the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. He also said Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia in efforts to protect the Two Holy Mosques, its people and pilgrims visiting the sacred cities.
“We stand firmly with Saudi Arabia in its efforts to safeguard the Two Holy Mosques, protect its people and ensure the safety of pilgrims,” the spokesperson said.
Pakistan also reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
Attack targeted Taibah power station
The attack took place on September 29, according to Saudi authorities. The Saudi-led coalition said the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah was targeted by a Houthi drone.
Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the attack occurred at around 5:11am local time.
He said an investigation, including an examination of debris from the drone, confirmed what the coalition described as Houthi involvement in planning and carrying out the attack. The facility supplies electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque.
One transformer damaged in attack
Saudi authorities said the attack put one transformer out of service. However, the wider electricity network remained operational, and there was no disruption to the overall power supply, according to the Saudi-led coalition.
The incident nevertheless drew strong attention because the targeted facility provides electricity to one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Saudi officials said measures would continue to be taken to protect the Two Holy Mosques and people visiting them. The coalition has also accused the Houthis of carrying out other attacks involving Saudi territory in recent weeks.
Houthis deny targeting holy sites
The latest accusation comes amid renewed tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement. There was no immediate Houthi response to the coalition’s statement about the Madinah power station attack when the accusation was first announced.
The Houthis have previously denied claims that they targeted Islamic holy sites. Saudi Arabia also reported two weeks earlier that it had intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it entered restricted airspace over the city.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia denies reports of suicide bomber arrest in Makkah
The Saudi-led coalition described that incident as the second alleged Houthi attempt to target Makkah since 2017. The Houthis denied targeting Makkah or any other Islamic holy site.
Growing concerns over regional security
The attack has come amid a wider increase in tensions involving the Houthis and countries in the region.
The latest developments have raised concerns about the potential impact on regional security and the safety of civilian infrastructure. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said attacks on civilian facilities were particularly concerning because of their possible impact on peace and security.
Islamabad has also called for an end to actions that could further increase tensions in the region. The Foreign Office said Pakistan would continue making efforts to promote lasting peace and stability.
Importance of the Prophet’s Mosque
The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is one of the most important religious sites for Muslims around the world.
Millions of Muslims visit the mosque and the city every year. Any incident involving infrastructure serving the mosque therefore carries wider significance beyond the immediate damage.
Pakistan said the safety of worshippers and pilgrims must be protected and that the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques must be respected at all times. The statement came as Saudi authorities continued to focus on security around Makkah and Madinah.
Pakistan calls for an end to reckless actions
The Foreign Office said attacks of this nature should end immediately and without conditions.
“We call for an immediate and unconditional end to such reckless actions that also constitute a grave threat to regional peace and security,” Sajjad Haider Khan said.
The statement reflects Pakistan’s concern that further attacks could increase instability in the region. Islamabad has repeatedly called for dialogue and peaceful efforts to resolve regional disputes.
Saudi Arabia continues security measures
Saudi authorities have said they will continue taking measures to protect the country and its important religious sites. The Saudi-led coalition said it would maintain efforts to deter further Houthi attacks.
The coalition has also highlighted the need to protect visitors and pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. The latest incident has added another security concern for Saudi Arabia at a time when tensions in the region remain high.
