Pakistan pledges support after Houthi drone attack reported near Mecca

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned reports of a Houthi drone strike targeting the Mecca region, pledging his country's unwavering support for Saudi Arabia during what he described as a critical security challenge.

The Pakistani leader's statement came after Saudi authorities reported the attempted attack on the holy city, home to the Kaaba and considered Islam's most sacred site. In his remarks, Sharif emphasized Pakistan's solidarity with the kingdom and reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement underscores Pakistan's strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia, a relationship that extends across defence, energy, and religious spheres. The Pakistani Prime Minister's swift condemnation reflects Islamabad's concern over regional security threats and its broader commitment to stability in the Arabian Peninsula.

The Houthi movement, based in Yemen, has repeatedly targeted Saudi Arabia and coalition forces with drone and missile attacks over recent years, prompting responses from Riyadh and its regional allies. Pakistan has maintained consistent diplomatic and security ties with Saudi Arabia, which remains a key partner for Islamabad in the Gulf region.