Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that any threat to the safety and sanctity of Makkah and Madinah would cross a “red line” that must never be violated. He made the remarks while addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.
Sharif strongly condemned recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia. He said an attempted drone attack targeting Makkah had outraged Muslims around the world and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Shehbaz Sharif Condemns Attacks on Saudi Arabia
During his UNGA speech, the prime minister described the recent Houthi attacks as “deplorable” and stressed the importance of protecting the sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office had also reiterated Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and the security of the two holy mosques. It said Pakistan remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at de-escalation and peace in the region.
Saudi authorities have previously said their air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it entered restricted airspace over the holy city. The Houthis have disputed the accusation concerning the attempted attack.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Defence Agreement
Sharif also defended the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. He said the agreement was not directed against any particular country but represented a collective commitment to defence, regional stability and peace.
The agreement has gained additional attention amid the escalation involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Military chiefs from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye also met in Riyadh to discuss the regional security situation and ways to strengthen military coordination under the agreement.
Pakistan Calls for Regional Stability
Beyond the issue of the holy cities, Shehbaz Sharif called for key waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, to remain open and safe. He described them as important arteries of the global economy.
The prime minister’s remarks came as Pakistan continued to call for diplomacy and de-escalation amid wider tensions in the Middle East. Islamabad has maintained that the protection of Saudi Arabia and the sanctity of Makkah and Madinah remain important elements of its position on the regional crisis.
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