PM Shehbaz strongly condemns ‘Brazen’ drone attack attempt in Makkah

In a statement shared on social media platform X, the prime minister said any attempt to target the sacred site in Makkah was unacceptable and deserving

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned what he described as a “brazen and despicable” attempt to target the sacred city of Makkah with a drone, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, the prime minister said any attempt to target the sacred site in Makkah was unacceptable and deserving of the strongest condemnation. He said the Pakistani nation was deeply distressed by the reported incident and praised the Saudi armed forces for their timely response.

Shehbaz Sharif commended the Saudi forces for acting swiftly and courageously to counter the threat, while urging all parties to exercise restraint and avoid steps that could further escalate tensions in the region.

“The region has already suffered immensely from conflicts and instability, and every effort must be made to prevent further escalation,” the prime minister said.

He maintained that sustainable peace could only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy, stressing the need for peaceful efforts to address regional tensions.

The prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also emphasised that the safety and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain remained deeply important to the people of Pakistan.

Pakistan, he said, would continue to stand firmly with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding the security, sanctity and dignity of the holy sites.

Moreover, Pakistan has called for an immediate acceleration of diplomatic efforts to address the worsening crisis in Yemen, warning that the escalating situation could pose serious risks to regional peace, international trade and energy security.

Speaking at an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the Houthi attacks were creating serious threats to peace and stability in the region.

He said the expansion of Houthi attacks around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait was contributing to growing tensions and warned that the deteriorating situation in Yemen had entered a highly dangerous phase. He stressed that immediate measures were needed to prevent further escalation.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar strongly condemned what he described as all Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. He warned that continued attacks could have serious consequences for the global economy and energy security.

He said any attempt to endanger or weaponise vital maritime routes could disrupt international trade and create significant risks for global energy supplies. The Bab el-Mandeb is a strategically important shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a key passage for international commerce.

The Pakistani envoy reaffirmed Islamabad’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. He also said Pakistan fully supported Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend itself.

At the same time, Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan would continue supporting sincere efforts aimed at reducing tensions in Yemen and promoting dialogue and a political settlement.

He stressed that a comprehensive political solution in Yemen could provide the foundation for lasting peace and greater stability across the region.