ISLAMABAD, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s “resolute” commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), as the kingdom faces repeated attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi militia.
In a statement posted on social media platform X on Friday, the prime minister strongly condemned attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, which reportedly resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people, praising the vigilance and professionalism of the Saudi armed forces and the coalition for intercepting multiple ballistic missiles. He also commended their continued efforts to protect innocent lives and safeguard the kingdom’s territory and critical infrastructure.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, the prime minister said Islamabad remained firmly committed to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. He also referred to recent decisions taken by the agreement’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee.
He stressed that Pakistan fully supported Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend its people, protect its cities and safeguard vital infrastructure against attacks.
The prime minister called on the Houthi militia to immediately cease its attacks against Saudi Arabia, reiterating that Pakistan would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the kingdom in the face of security threats.
Civilian Casualties Reported in Attacks on Saudi Airports
Saudi civil aviation authorities reported that at least three people were killed and dozens injured in attacks on facilities at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport on October 6 and 7.
According to the authorities, one person was killed and eight others wounded in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital. Two people were killed and 28 injured in an attack on facilities at Abha airport.
The civil aviation authorities confirmed that the two incidents occurred on October 6 and October 7 but did not specify which attack took place on each date.
The incidents occurred as fighting intensified in Yemen between the Houthi movement and government forces, raising concerns about the wider security implications for Saudi Arabia and the region.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye Agree on Rapid Military Deployment
The prime minister’s statement came days after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye agreed to ensure the rapid deployment of previously agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Riyadh, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office on October 6.
The Foreign Office said the deployment would be implemented under approved arrangements and in accordance with the national laws of all three participating countries.
The agreement reflects increased coordination among Islamabad, Riyadh and Ankara amid the evolving security situation and continuing threats facing Saudi Arabia.
Defence Minister Confirms Pakistani and Turkish Support
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif subsequently confirmed that Pakistan and Turkiye were providing support to Saudi Arabia in its operations against the Houthis in Yemen.
Speaking in a television interview, the defence minister said both countries had a presence in Saudi Arabia but clarified that Saudi forces were directly conducting the fighting.
He stated that Pakistan and Turkiye were available to provide whatever assistance Saudi Arabia required.
According to the minister, Pakistani and Turkish military personnel were performing supporting functions, including reconnaissance and other related activities, while Saudi forces remained engaged in combat operations.
His remarks provided further details about the supportive role being played by the two countries as they coordinate with Saudi Arabia under their defence arrangements.
Implications for Regional Security
Pakistan’s reaffirmation of its commitment to Saudi Arabia underscores the importance Islamabad attaches to its longstanding strategic and defence relationship with Riyadh. The latest developments also highlight closer military coordination involving Turkiye as regional security concerns intensify.
The attacks on Saudi airports demonstrate the risks posed to civilian aviation, public safety and critical infrastructure during the conflict involving the Houthis and Yemeni government forces.
The agreement to facilitate the rapid deployment of military capabilities signals a coordinated approach by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to address emerging security threats.
Pakistan has reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its population and territory while calling for an immediate end to the attacks. The situation is likely to remain significant for regional security, particularly as the three countries implement their agreed defence arrangements.
Islamabad has reaffirmed that it will continue to stand alongside Riyadh in safeguarding the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
