Pakistan condemns drone attacks on Saudi oil pipeline, warns of regional threat

Pakistan on Saturday condemned drone attacks that damaged Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline and injured civilians, calling the strikes a violation of international law and Saudi sovereignty.

The condemnation came after Riyadh temporarily shut the pipeline following aerial attacks in the Riyadh and Madinah regions.

What did Pakistan say about the Saudi pipeline attack?

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry described the drone attacks as reprehensible and said targeting civilian infrastructure was unacceptable.

It called the strikes a flagrant violation of international law and Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that they pose a serious threat to regional peace, security and stability.

Why did Saudi Arabia shut down the pipeline?

Saudi Arabia shut the 1,200-kilometre pipeline as a precaution after the attack, according to the world's largest crude oil exporter. Saudi Arabia and Iraq said the drones had originated in Iraq, where militias operate, and Iraq dismissed a military commander on Saturday in response.

The East-West Pipeline runs across the Arabian Peninsula and gives Saudi Arabia an alternative export route that avoids tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

How much oil flows through the pipeline?

The pipeline has carried about 4 million to 5 million barrels of oil per day in recent months, equivalent to roughly 4% to 5% of global supply, according to ship-tracking companies and analysts.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a trickle during the six-month war between the United States and Iran, raising concerns over further disruptions to global oil supplies. Against that backdrop, any threat to the pipeline carries added weight for global energy markets.

What else did Pakistan's Foreign Ministry say?

Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity, and expressed solidarity with the kingdom's leadership, government and people. Islamabad said it remained committed to efforts aimed at promoting lasting peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain close strategic and diplomatic ties, and Islamabad has regularly expressed support for the kingdom's security and territorial integrity. The Foreign Ministry issued the statement in Islamabad on September 12 under reference number 242/2026.