Summary PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirms Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia after a Houthi drone attack near Makkah and calls for regional restraint.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia after the kingdom said it intercepted a Houthi drone near Makkah, while urging all sides to exercise restraint and prevent further regional escalation.
PM Shehbaz strongly condemned the attempted attack on the holy city, saying Pakistan stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Saudi Arabia. He also reiterated Islamabad’s support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
Saudi Arabia’s Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen said its air defences destroyed the drone south of Makkah before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy city. The coalition said the incident was the second Houthi attempt to target Makkah.
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the dastardly and heinous attempted drone attack against the Holy Site of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 16, 2026
The people of Pakistan are saddened and perturbed by this outrageous act. There can be no words strong enough to capture the depth of…
The Houthis have denied targeting Makkah.
PM Shehbaz praised the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for their vigilance and swift response to the incident, while calling on all parties to step back from further escalation. He said the region had already suffered extensively from conflict and stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remained the sustainable path towards peace.
The prime minister’s remarks came after Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, raised concerns over the latest developments during a UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.
Ahmad said Pakistan condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and would continue diplomatic efforts at the highest levels to reduce tensions and promote peace and stability across the region.
Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad,
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) September 16, 2026
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,
At the UN Security Council Emergency Meeting on Yemen
(15 September 2026)
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Thank you, Madam President. I would like to thank Assistant Secretary General Khalid Khiari for his… pic.twitter.com/wYJF5we6yJ
The Pakistani envoy also warned about growing attacks around Bab al-Mandab, a strategically important maritime corridor.
According to Ahmad, continued attacks and violations involving commercial shipping could threaten freedom of navigation, international trade, global supply chains and energy security.
He further warned that escalating violence risked reversing the relative calm maintained in Yemen since 2022 and worsening the humanitarian situation there.
Pakistan reiterated its support for an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under UN auspices, as well as diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive political settlement.
I strongly condemn the reprehensible drone attack, targeting the Holy City of Makkah Al-Mukarramah. pic.twitter.com/N4cUpNzpe9
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) September 16, 2026
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar separately condemned the attempted attack, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia in safeguarding the two holy mosques and ensuring the safety of pilgrims, citizens and residents.
