ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned a surge in Houthi missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, including an attempted attack targeting the holy site of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, and called for maximum restraint to prevent further regional escalation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attempted drone attack in a post on X, describing it as a “dastardly and heinous” act and expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
“The people of Pakistan are saddened and perturbed by this outrageous act,” Sharif said, while praising the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for what he called their swift and professional response.
He also urged all parties to step back from further escalation, saying dialogue and diplomacy remained the only sustainable path to peace.
“Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Sharif said, reaffirming Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the dastardly and heinous attempted drone attack against the Holy Site of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
The people of Pakistan are saddened and perturbed by this outrageous act. There can be no words strong enough to capture the depth of…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 16, 2026
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that the escalation had reached a “dangerous juncture” and could have serious consequences for regional stability, international trade and global energy security.
“Pakistan condemns, in the strongest terms, all Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Ahmad said, adding that the attacks threatened regional peace and stability and could affect the global economy and energy security.
He said Sharif had also reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of the attacks during a conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this week.
Pakistan backs Saudi Arabia’s right to defend itself
Ahmad said Pakistan stood in “complete solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and supported its right under the UN Charter and international law to defend its territory, citizens and national assets.
He said the Houthi military escalation inside Yemen, continued attacks on Saudi Arabia and recent military developments along Yemen’s Red Sea coast had pushed the conflict to an “extremely dangerous juncture.”
At the same time, Ahmad called for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent Yemen from becoming further entangled in the wider regional confrontation.
He backed the resumption of an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process under UN auspices, saying diplomacy must match the gravity of the situation.
Red Sea shipping faces renewed pressure
The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, have intensified missile and drone attacks in the region while threatening commercial shipping around the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.
The strategic waterway separates Yemen from the Horn of Africa and links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, making it a key route for international trade and energy shipments.
Ahmad described the expansion of Houthi attacks around Bab Al-Mandab as a “serious escalation,” warning that threats to the waterway could disrupt international trade, shipping, global supply chains and energy security.
The situation has taken on added significance as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have already affected regional energy flows, increasing the importance of alternative shipping routes.
Saudi Arabia reports casualties
Saudi authorities said 13 civilians suffered injuries in Houthi attacks targeting areas including Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif on Monday.
More than 70 people were also injured in attacks across Saudi Arabia the previous week, according to Saudi authorities.
The renewed escalation has also worsened Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. The UN refugee agency estimates that more than 100,000 people have been displaced amid the renewed fighting.
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Pakistan has therefore called for an immediate diplomatic push to contain the conflict and prevent further regional escalation.
“Diplomacy must assume urgency in proportion to the gravity of this situation,” Ahmad said.
