ISLAMABAD – In a National Day message on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Pakistan’s defence commitments as the Kingdom confronts renewed Houthi attacks.
The Houthi movement, an Iran‑backed armed faction that controls much of northern Yemen, has intensified missile and drone strikes on Saudi cities and infrastructure amid a renewed escalation of the Yemen conflict. A Saudi‑led coalition reported intercepting a drone before it entered restricted airspace near Makkah, the site of Islam’s holiest shrine, while the Houthis have denied any intent to target the city.
This renewed Saudi‑Houthi confrontation adds another front to the broader conflict that erupted following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Clashes along Yemen’s Red Sea coast have jeopardized a vital shipping corridor for Saudi oil exports, already strained by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The expanding conflict has heightened attention on Pakistan’s defence commitments to Saudi Arabia. In August, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, pledging that an armed attack on any member would be considered an attack on all. In September 2025, Islamabad and Riyadh also concluded a bilateral mutual defence pact. The operational details of these agreements have not been disclosed.
“Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom, to safeguard its sovereignty, security and the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites,” Sharif said in his Saudi National Day message.
He condemned the recent Houthi attacks, particularly an alleged drone assault on Makkah. The Saudi‑led coalition said the drone was intercepted before entering restricted airspace, whereas the Houthis have contested the coalition’s account.
Sharif also characterized Pakistan’s longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia as an increasingly robust strategic partnership, referencing the two defence agreements. His remarks did not announce any new deployment, nor did they specify whether Riyadh had requested military assistance or outline any specific Pakistani response.
“Today, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this brotherhood is evolving into an even stronger strategic partnership, grounded in our shared commitment to peace, security and the unity of the Muslim Ummah. Together, we have proudly signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” Sharif said.
His remarks followed a Tuesday meeting at the United Nations, where the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt reaffirmed Riyadh’s right to self‑defence under international law and urged a diplomatic solution to the broader regional crisis.