PM Shehbaz condemns Makkah drone attack, reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned what Saudi authorities described as an attempted drone attack near Makkah.
He said Pakistan stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Saudi Arabia and supported the kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The prime minister also stressed Pakistan’s support for the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
In a statement, Shehbaz praised the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for their response to the incident and called for maximum restraint from all sides. He said the region had already suffered heavily because of conflict and stressed that dialogue and diplomacy were the only sustainable ways to achieve peace.
Saudi Arabia says drone was intercepted
Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Makkah before it entered the restricted airspace of the holy city.
According to the Saudi-led coalition, the drone was launched by Yemen’s Houthi group. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said the incident represented the second known attempt to target Makkah, referring to a previous ballistic missile incident in 2017.
Saudi authorities have described the security of Makkah, the two holy mosques and pilgrims as a major priority. The incident came amid a wider increase in attacks and tensions involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
Houthis deny targeting Makkah
The Houthis have denied targeting Makkah or other Islamic holy sites. The group rejected the Saudi claim that it had launched a drone towards the holy city. This denial has been included in reports about the incident, meaning the alleged target and intention remain disputed.
Saudi Arabia, however, has maintained that its forces intercepted a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it entered the restricted airspace. The incident has drawn attention because of Makkah's religious significance and the wider security situation in the region.
Pakistan calls for restraint
Prime Minister Shehbaz also urged all parties to step back and avoid further escalation.
He said the region had already experienced too much conflict and that additional military action could further increase tensions. The prime minister stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in dealing with regional disputes.
Pakistan’s position reflects its stated support for Saudi Arabia while also calling for efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading further. The prime minister’s remarks came as tensions increased across the region following a series of attacks involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
Pakistan raises concerns at UN
Pakistan has also raised concerns about the wider situation in Yemen and the surrounding region. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, highlighted the issue during discussions at the UN Security Council.
Pakistan has condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia and said it would continue diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote peace and stability.
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The Pakistani side has also expressed concern over developments around the Bab al-Mandab maritime corridor. The waterway is strategically important for international shipping and trade, making any prolonged disruption a concern beyond the countries directly involved in the conflict.
Bab al-Mandab raises wider concerns
The latest developments have also brought renewed attention to the security of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The maritime corridor connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important route for international commercial shipping. Continued attacks or disruptions in the area could affect shipping routes, supply chains and energy markets.
Pakistan has therefore stressed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and preventing further instability around the strategically important waterway. The situation also remains closely linked to the wider conflict in Yemen and growing regional tensions.
Pakistan supports diplomatic solution
Pakistan has reiterated its support for an inclusive political process in Yemen.
Islamabad has backed a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under the auspices of the United Nations. The aim is to find a comprehensive political settlement rather than allow the conflict to continue through military confrontation.
Pakistan has also said it will continue diplomatic contacts aimed at reducing tensions in the region. The government has repeatedly stressed that regional stability is important not only for the countries involved but also for international trade and energy security.
Ishaq Dar also condemns incident
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar separately condemned the reported attack. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia in protecting the two holy mosques.
Dar also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of pilgrims, citizens and residents in the kingdom. The statements from Pakistan’s top leadership underline Islamabad’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia following the latest security incident.
Regional tensions remain high
The Makkah drone incident comes at a time of heightened tensions involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Saudi authorities have reported a series of attacks in recent days, while the Houthis have denied targeting Makkah and other holy sites.
The conflicting accounts underline the sensitivity of the incident and the wider security situation. For Pakistan, the immediate focus remains on supporting Saudi Arabia while encouraging restraint and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
The developments around Makkah, Yemen and the Bab al-Mandab corridor are likely to remain closely watched because of their potential impact on regional security, international shipping and energy supplies.
