WEBDESK - NAYADAUR
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia, condemning recent Houthi attacks and saying Pakistan stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the Kingdom in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites.
The prime minister made the remarks in a message marking Saudi Arabia’s National Day, observed annually on September 23. He extended felicitations to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people.
Shehbaz said any threat to the sanctity and security of the Haramain Sharifain deeply affected Muslims around the world. He specifically referred to the recent attempted drone attack targeting Makkah Al-Mukarramah, which Pakistan has strongly condemned.
“Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder, with the Kingdom in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites,” the prime minister said.
Shehbaz, who is in New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, also praised Saudi Arabia’s development and transformation, saying the Kingdom’s progress was a source of pride and admiration for both its people and Pakistan.
He said the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was rooted in faith, mutual trust, shared history and close ties between their peoples.
According to the prime minister, the longstanding relationship has increasingly developed into a strategic partnership centered on peace, security and cooperation.
“Today, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this brotherhood is growing into an even stronger strategic partnership,” Shehbaz said.
He highlighted the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
The Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025, provides that aggression against either country would be considered aggression against both.
The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in August 2026, similarly provides for enhanced defense cooperation and collective security, with an armed attack against one signatory to be regarded as an attack against all three.
Pakistan has also reiterated in recent days that both agreements are intended to strengthen collective defense and security cooperation. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said the Makkah agreement was defensive in nature and was not directed against any country.
The prime minister’s latest message follows heightened tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Houthi attacks. On Sept. 16, Shehbaz condemned an attempted drone attack on Makkah and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in New York on Sept. 22, where the two sides reaffirmed cooperation under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and discussed regional peace and security.
Concluding his National Day message, Shehbaz expressed the hope that Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties would continue to strengthen, ending with a call for the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Why it matters
The statement comes as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia deepen their formal defense and strategic cooperation while regional tensions remain elevated. Islamabad has simultaneously emphasized its support for Saudi security and its preference for dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation.