Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a strong condemnation following reports that Saudi Arabia came under attack overnight, describing the incident as a breach of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a post shared on X, the premier reaffirmed Islamabad’s steadfast backing of Saudi Arabia’s security at what he called a critical moment.
The statement came a day after Saudi authorities confirmed that coalition forces had shot down ballistic missiles launched from Yemen, targeting the Kingdom’s southern region. A spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition operating in Yemen stated that the missiles had been fired by Houthi militants before being successfully intercepted.
Shehbaz Warns of Threat to Regional Peace
PM Shehbaz described the assault as a set of “reprehensible actions” capable of destabilizing peace across the broader region. He stressed that such attacks carry consequences well beyond Saudi borders, threatening the wider security architecture of the Middle East.
“Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security and stands in complete solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at this critical time,” he said.
The prime minister added that Pakistan remains committed to backing genuine efforts that promote peace, stability, security, and mutual understanding throughout the region.
A Defence Partnership Rooted in Decades of Ties
Pakistan’s response comes against the backdrop of a formal mutual defence pact signed with Saudi Arabia in September 2025. Under the agreement, both nations pledged to treat any act of aggression against one as an attack on both — a move that substantially strengthened a security relationship stretching back decades.
Key developments tied to the pact include:
- Pakistan deploying fighter jets and additional military assets to Saudi Arabia in April
- Pakistani fighter jets and support aircraft landing at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Kingdom’s eastern province
- A joint statement from Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry on April 11 confirming the deployment was intended to reinforce joint defence cooperation
As Pakistan condemns the Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks underscore the depth of the Pakistan-Saudi defence relationship at a time of heightened regional tension. With the September 2025 pact still fresh and joint military cooperation ongoing, Islamabad’s swift solidarity signals its intent to stand firmly behind Riyadh’s security going forward.