Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi airports
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday condemned Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s airports, expressing Islamabad’s “unwavering solidarity” with Riyadh and backing the kingdom’s right to defend its territory and critical infrastructure.
His remarks came a day after a fresh wave of missile attacks targeted Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, disrupting air traffic and forcing several flight cancellations.
Three people were killed in attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports on Wednesday, according to the report.
“I strongly condemn the repeated terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, which resulted in loss of lives and injuries to civilians,” Sharif said in a post on X.
He praised the Saudi armed forces and the coalition for intercepting ballistic missiles and protecting civilians.
“I commend the vigilance and professionalism of the Saudi armed forces and the Coalition in intercepting multiple ballistic missiles and their tireless efforts to protect innocent lives and safeguard the Kingdom,” he said.
Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia amid the escalation.
“Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the leadership and people of our brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Referring to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and recent decisions by its Strategic Political and Defence Committee, Sharif said Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security remained resolute.
The defence agreement was signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye on August 7 following a summit in Mecca. The trilateral pact stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be treated as an attack against all three.
Amid the escalation in Houthi attacks, the pact’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee met in Riyadh on October 5 and decided on the deployment of military forces in the kingdom.
“We also fully support Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend its people and protect its cities and vital infrastructure,” Sharif said.
“The Houthi militia must immediately cease these attacks. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in the face of these threats,” he added.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have intensified missile attacks on Saudi targets amid renewed fighting in Yemen, where Riyadh backs the internationally recognised government against the rebel group.
