Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity amid escalating Houthi attacks against the kingdom, pledging that Islamabad would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Riyadh.
The assurance came during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s newly arrived ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy, who called on the prime minister in Islamabad on Friday, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Welcoming the Saudi envoy, PM Shehbaz congratulated him on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities and expressed confidence that his tenure would contribute to further strengthening relations between the two countries.
The prime minister said Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties had made significant progress in recent years, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening institutional mechanisms and expanding cooperation across various sectors.
PM Shehbaz also strongly condemned the recent escalation in Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, which, according to the Prime Minister’s Office, had caused loss of life and injuries to civilians, including Pakistani nationals.
The statement followed reports by the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen that the Houthis had attempted attacks targeting Saudi airports, ports and energy facilities as hostilities intensified.
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Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said at a press conference that the Houthis had launched 20 attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh during the month. He attributed 17 deaths and 333 injuries to the reported attacks.
The airport is one of Saudi Arabia’s principal international aviation hubs. The coalition described the incidents as part of a wider campaign targeting civilian infrastructure.
The latest escalation has heightened concerns over civilian safety, regional stability and the security of critical infrastructure in the Gulf.
During his meeting with the Saudi ambassador, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had consistently supported each other through difficult circumstances.
He described the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defense Alliance as historic milestones in the countries’ longstanding relations, reflecting their shared commitment to regional peace and security.
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The prime minister’s remarks underscored Islamabad’s emphasis on its close strategic relationship with Riyadh as the kingdom faces renewed security challenges.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain extensive cooperation spanning defense, economic assistance, investment and diplomatic engagement. Saudi Arabia has also provided longstanding financial and economic support to Pakistan during periods of economic pressure.
