Islamabad, September 16, 2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned an attempted drone attack targeting the vicinity of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s defence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a post on X, the prime minister described the attempted attack on the Holy Site of Makkah as “dastardly and heinous” and praised the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for their “extraordinary vigilance, courage, and professionalism” in responding to the threat.
His statement came after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it could enter the prohibited airspace over the holy city.
According to a spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen, the drone was intercepted on Tuesday evening and marked the second reported Houthi attempt to target Makkah. Houthi officials have denied targeting the holy city.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation.
“Our region has already suffered far too much from conflict. Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path towards peace,” he said.
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan stood “shoulder to shoulder” and “unwaveringly” with Riyadh in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as ensuring the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
Pakistan condemns Houthi attacks at UNSC
Pakistan also strongly condemned the reported attacks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Yemen.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the escalation of Houthi military activity inside Yemen, continued attacks against Saudi Arabia and recent developments along the Red Sea coast had brought the conflict to an “extremely dangerous juncture”.
“Pakistan condemns, in the strongest terms, all Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Ambassador Ahmad recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had condemned the attacks and warned that they threatened regional peace and stability, with potentially serious consequences for the global economy and energy security.
He said Pakistan would continue its efforts at the highest levels to help defuse tensions and promote peace and stability in the region.
The Pakistani envoy reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity, saying Pakistan fully supported the kingdom’s legitimate right to take necessary measures to defend itself against threats.
Growing threat to Red Sea shipping
Addressing the Security Council, Ambassador Ahmad said the expansion of Houthi attacks in and around Bab al-Mandab, one of the world’s key maritime corridors, represented a serious escalation.
He said continued violations of international law involving commercial shipping were creating a growing threat to freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted flow of international maritime commerce.
Any attempt to threaten, obstruct or weaponise international waterways, he warned, could have repercussions for international trade, commercial shipping, global supply chains and energy security.
The Pakistani envoy also expressed concern that the relative calm maintained in Yemen since 2022 had broken down.
He warned that continued escalation could reignite a full-scale conflict and pull Yemen deeper into the wider regional confrontation.
“This must be prevented,” he said.
Pakistan calls for political settlement in Yemen
Ambassador Ahmad also highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen, saying the latest developments were adding to the suffering of the Yemeni people.
He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the resumption of an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under UN auspices.
Pakistan, he said, would continue supporting sincere efforts aimed at de-escalation, dialogue and a comprehensive political settlement capable of bringing lasting peace and stability to Yemen and the wider region.
Dar condemns attack attempt
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the reported attempted attack, describing it as a “provocative act” that violated Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a post on X, Dar said the attempted attack on the holy city had “gravely” offended the religious sentiments of Muslims worldwide and posed a threat to regional peace and security.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for the Saudi leadership and people in safeguarding the sanctity and security of the two holy mosques and ensuring the safety of pilgrims, citizens and residents.
