Pakistan has reiterated its firm commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security following an attack on Riyadh’s international airport, condemning the targeting of civilian infrastructure as a serious violation of international law.
The Foreign Office (FO) issued the statement after Saturday’s attack, which reportedly killed at least 12 people and injured 309 others.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye are signatories to a defence agreement signed on August 7. The pact aims to strengthen collective deterrence and establish the principle that an attack against one member should be treated as an attack against all.
In a statement posted on X, the Foreign Office described the targeting of a civilian airport as “a heinous act of terrorism, a flagrant violation of international law and a grave threat to regional peace and security”.
The FO expressed concern over the casualties, extended condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
It said the continued targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure by Yemen’s Houthi militia was unacceptable and called on the international community to condemn such actions unequivocally.
The Foreign Office stressed that indiscriminate acts of aggression could not be justified under any circumstances and must stop immediately.
Reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s leadership, Pakistan said its commitment to the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability remained firm under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The statement also referred to a decision taken by the pact’s Strategic, Political and Defence Committee on October 5, when member states agreed to the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan also supported Riyadh’s right to self-defence against threats and acts of aggression, urging Yemen’s Houthis to halt their attacks and calling on the international community to take a clear stand against such actions.
“Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, resolute in its commitment to the kingdom’s sovereignty, security and defence,” the Foreign Office said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, saying that targeting civilian populations and critical infrastructure was completely unacceptable and posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
He said such acts of violence violated international law and must cease immediately.
Expressing solidarity with Riyadh, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, highlighting the longstanding bonds between the two countries.
Shehbaz also said Pakistan’s embassy in Riyadh was in close contact with Saudi authorities and was providing all possible assistance to affected families.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed concern over the reported Houthi attack and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured, including six Pakistani nationals.
Dar said attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure were unacceptable, violated international law and threatened regional peace and security.
He confirmed that Pakistan was in contact with Saudi authorities and that he had directed the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh to coordinate with the relevant officials to provide all possible assistance to the injured Pakistani citizens.
The foreign minister also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the kingdom’s security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The Saudi-led coalition operating in Yemen blamed the Houthis for the strike on King Khalid International Airport, describing it as a “full-fledged war crime”. A diplomatic source attributed the attack to a missile.
The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Saudi airports, oil installations and tankers. They also claimed a series of strikes on Thursday that reportedly killed three people and damaged an aircraft, although they did not announce any new attacks on Saturday.
The attacks have continued amid the collapse in July of a truce in Yemen’s prolonged conflict involving the Houthi movement and the coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed support for Saudi Arabia amid the escalating security situation.
During an emergency meeting of the Makkah defence pact in Riyadh on October 5, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye agreed to the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who participated in Pakistan’s delegation at the meeting, later said that Pakistan and Turkiye maintained a presence in the operational theatre, while Saudi forces were directly involved in combat operations.
On September 18, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan was prepared to go to “any extent” to defend Saudi Arabia, describing Islamabad’s commitment to the kingdom’s security as unconditional.
Asif has also reaffirmed that Pakistan would support Saudi Arabia both practically and diplomatically if the conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels escalated. He said Islamabad would fulfil its obligations under the Makkah defence arrangement in accordance with the agreement’s terms.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that the alliance is defensive in nature and intended to strengthen collective deterrence rather than pursue offensive military action.
