PM Shehbaz Reaffirms Makkah Defence Pact After Houthi Attacks on Saudi Airports
In a statement posted on his official X account, the prime minister expressed grave concern over the attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, which resulted in civilian casualties and injuries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Abha international airports, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to defending the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
In a statement posted on his official X account, the prime minister expressed grave concern over the attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, which resulted in civilian casualties and injuries.
He conveyed condolences to the families of those killed and expressed sympathy with the injured.
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.
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.
Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the leadership and people of our brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In line with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, and recent decisions taken by its Strategic Political and Defense Committee, our commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security is resolute. We also fully support Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend its people and protect its cities and vital infrastructure.
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.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 9, 2026
According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, Houthi attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport on 7th Oct, left three people dead and 36 others injured. The attacks targeted major civilian aviation facilities, raising serious concerns over passenger safety and the security of critical infrastructure in the Kingdom. The reported casualties included Pakistani nationals, although their exact number and whether they were among the dead or injured have not been confirmed in the information available.
Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the professionalism and operational readiness of Saudi armed forces and allied forces, highlighting their successful interception and destruction of several ballistic missiles before they could reach their intended targets.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people, emphasising Islamabad’s commitment to the Kingdom’s security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to protect Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while expressing full support for the Kingdom’s right to defend its people, cities and critical infrastructure against external aggression.
Calling for an immediate end to Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, Prime Minister Shehbaz warned against further escalation and reiterated that Pakistan would stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia against every threat.
The statement comes amid heightened regional security tensions following repeated attacks by the Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia, including attempts to target civilian and strategic infrastructure.
According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, the attacks on King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport left three people dead and 36 others injured.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are cooperating under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a trilateral arrangement aimed at strengthening collective defence, military coordination and regional security.
The prime minister’s latest statement reinforces Islamabad’s declared commitment to Saudi Arabia’s territorial defence amid continuing security threats in the region.
