Pakistan's PM condemns drone attack on Makkah, reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned on Wednesday "in the strongest possible terms the dastardly and heinous" attack on the Holy City of Makkah, which a Saudi-led coalition blamed on Yemen's Houthis."

"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the dastardly and heinous attempted drone attack against the Holy Site of Makkah Al Mukarramah. Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain - a duty that every Pakistani carries close to their heart," said Shahbaz in a statement on X.

The statement came after Saudi Arabia's air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah on Tuesday before ​it entered prohibited airspace over the Holy City, while the Saudi-led coalition said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a “red line,” vowing that the coalition would take measures to deter further attacks.

Expressing solidarity with the kingdom, Shahbaz said that the people of Pakistan were saddened and perturbed by this outrageous act, adding that, "There can be no words strong enough to capture the depth of anguish and sorrow felt by us at this reprehensible and unforgivable act."

The prime minister praised the Saudi forces for their response, saying Pakistan “salute the extraordinary vigilance, courage, and professionalism of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces” for their “swift and heroic action.”

The premier also called on all sides to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.

“I once again call upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to step back from the brink of further escalation. Our region has already suffered far too much from conflict. Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path towards peace,” the prime minister added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the “reprehensible” Houthi drone attack targeting the Holy City of Makkah Al Mukarramah, saying Pakistan stood firmly with Saudi Arabia in protecting the sanctity and security of the Two Holy Mosques.

In a statement, Dar said the attack was “a provocative act” that violated Saudi Arabia’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity,” and “gravely offended the religious sentiments of Muslims worldwide.”

He said the attack also threatened regional peace and security.

“Pakistan stands firmly with the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding the sanctity and security of the Two Holy Mosques, the Haramain Sharifain, and ensuring the safety of pilgrims, citizens and residents,” Dar said.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also denounced the "dastardly and heinous attempted drone attack" on the Holy City of Makkah.

In a statement issued on X, the minister said, "This was not merely an attack on Saudi Arabia. It was an attack on the heart of Islam and on the sentiments of Muslims across the world, who revere Makkah as the holiest city."

"Targeting the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the focal point of Hajj is a cowardly, terrorist act that crosses every red line," he added.

In line with the premier's statement, Asif expressed that Pakistan stood unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder, with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in safeguarding the security and sanctity of the holy sites.