Pakistan PM Condemns Houthi Drone Attacks on Mecca, Vows Solidarity with Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's Prime Minister issued a formal statement on Tuesday condemning drone attacks launched by the Houthi movement against Mecca, expressing deep solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reaffirming the sanctity of the Islamic holy site.

The statement, released from the Prime Minister's office in Islamabad, addressed the security breach that occurred at the Grand Mosque complex in Mecca. The attacks, attributed to Houthi forces based in Yemen, targeted one of Islam's most sacred locations, raising immediate concerns regarding the safety of pilgrims and the stability of the region.

In the address, the Prime Minister described the assault as a grave violation of international norms and a direct challenge to the security of Muslim holy sites. He emphasized that Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia in its efforts to protect the sanctity of Mecca and Medina. The statement called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties involved to respect the neutrality and safety of religious landmarks.

The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the Houthi movement, which has frequently targeted commercial shipping and military assets in the Red Sea region. However, the targeting of Mecca represents a new dimension in the group's operational reach, prompting urgent diplomatic responses from across the Muslim world. Saudi authorities have since initiated security protocols to ensure the safety of worshippers, though details regarding the extent of damage or casualties remain under assessment.

Pakistan's leadership highlighted the shared responsibility of the international community to safeguard religious freedom and prevent the weaponization of holy sites. The Prime Minister noted that such acts of aggression threaten not only regional stability but also the global unity of the Muslim Ummah. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia through diplomatic channels and any necessary measures required to restore security in the region.

Regional analysts suggest that the attack may be intended to disrupt upcoming religious gatherings or to exert pressure on Saudi-led coalitions involved in Yemen. However, no official confirmation has been provided regarding the specific objectives behind the operation or the number of drones deployed. The Saudi government has not yet released a comprehensive report on the incident, leaving questions about the full scope of the attack unanswered.

As diplomatic efforts intensify, the international community is watching closely for further developments. The United Nations and other global bodies are expected to address the matter in upcoming sessions, with calls for de-escalation growing louder. For now, the focus remains on securing Mecca and preventing any recurrence of such attacks. The situation continues to evolve as security forces work to assess the aftermath and reinforce defenses around the holy city.