Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned what Saudi authorities described as an attempted drone attack near Mecca and reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia.
Sharif made the remarks in a statement posted on social media platform X, after Saudi authorities said their air defences had intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the restricted airspace over the holy city.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the dastardly and heinous attempted drone attack against the Holy Site of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
The people of Pakistan are saddened and perturbed by this outrageous act. There can be no words strong enough to capture the depth of anguish and sorrow felt by us at this reprehensible and unforgivable act.
We salute the extraordinary vigilance, courage, and professionalism of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces, for their swift and heroic action.
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
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,” he wrote.
Saudi Arabia said the drone was intercepted south of Mecca on Tuesday evening before it could enter the city’s prohibited airspace. Saudi-led coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said the incident represented a second attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca, referring to a 2017 ballistic missile incident.
The Houthis, however, have denied targeting Mecca or other Islamic holy sites. The group has said its attacks are directed at Saudi military and oil infrastructure rather than religious sites.
The incident comes amid a broader escalation involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with the Iran-aligned group carrying out attacks on Saudi territory and Riyadh responding with military action in Yemen.
By Tamilla Hasanova
