Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that Pakistan remains fully committed to Saudi Arabia’s security, citing the Pakistan Saudi defence agreement signed under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. His message followed a series of Houthi attacks on the kingdom.
In a post on X, the prime minister condemned the strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport. The attacks killed and injured civilians.
What Happened at the Saudi Airports
Saudi civil aviation authorities said on October 7 that at least three people had died in the attacks, as fighting between the Houthis and Yemeni government forces grew more intense.
According to their statement, one person was killed and eight were wounded at King Khalid International Airport in the capital. At Abha airport, two people were killed and 28 were wounded when facilities were hit.
The authorities said the attacks took place on October 6 and October 7, but did not specify which airport was hit on which day.
Shehbaz Sharif Praises Saudi Forces
The prime minister praised the “vigilance and professionalism of the Saudi armed forces” and the coalition for intercepting several ballistic missiles. He also acknowledged “their tireless efforts to protect innocent lives and safeguard” the kingdom.
He said Pakistan stands with the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia.
“In line with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, and recent decisions taken by its Strategic Political and Defence Committee, our commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security is resolute,” he said.
Shehbaz added that Pakistan fully backs Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its people, its cities and its vital infrastructure. He urged the Houthi militia to “immediately cease these attacks” and said Islamabad would stand shoulder to shoulder with Riyadh against such threats.
Military Deployment Agreed Days Earlier
The statement came only days after Islamabad, Riyadh and Ankara agreed to ensure the “rapid deployment” of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia. The Foreign Office said on October 6 that the decision was made at an emergency meeting of the agreement’s members in Riyadh. It will be carried out under “approved arrangements” and in line with each country’s national laws.
Later the same day, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that Pakistan and Turkiye are supporting Saudi Arabia in its operations against the Houthis in Yemen.
“Both countries [Pakistan and Turkiye] have a presence here, but the army fighting is that of Saudi Arabia. We are here and providing any assistance they need,” he told reporters.
He described the Pakistani and Turkish role as supportive, saying their forces are involved in “reconnaissance and other things.”