Pakistan Condemns Houthi Militia Attack on Makkah, Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the reported Houthi militia drone attack targeting Makkah Mukarramah, reaffirming its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security of the Two Holy Mosques.

During a weekly Foreign Office briefing, spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said any attempt to target the holy city was a highly reprehensible and deeply concerning act that hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims around the world.

He said Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding the sanctity and security of Haramain Sharifain and in protecting pilgrims, citizens and residents. Pakistan’s Foreign Office had also formally condemned the reported attack in a statement issued on September 16.

The spokesperson said Pakistan fully supports Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial security and remains deeply concerned over the worsening regional situation.

Islamabad, he added, would continue to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and support dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving regional disputes.

Pakistan has also previously reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia’s security amid attacks attributed to the Houthi militia.

The Foreign Office spokesperson also discussed an incident involving an Indian naval vessel in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on September 15.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the Indian vessel carried out aggressive manoeuvres in close proximity to a Pakistani naval ship during the Pakistan Navy’s SEASPARK-26 exercise, resulting in contact between the two vessels.

Pakistan summoned the Charge d’Affaires of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and lodged a strong protest, describing the incident as a serious violation of international law and the 1991 bilateral agreement concerning advance notification of military exercises, manoeuvres and troop movements.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi would also convey the same demarche to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Pakistan has maintained that the widening regional conflict should be addressed through diplomatic channels and international law.

The government has also emphasised the importance of protecting regional security, maritime stability and the safety of civilian populations while continuing diplomatic engagement with concerned countries.

The latest statements reflect Pakistan’s simultaneous focus on supporting Saudi Arabia’s security, addressing regional tensions and managing its own maritime security concerns with India.