Pakistan says it stands with Saudi Arabia, committed to Makkah defense pact

Pakistan on Thursday reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial security, saying it stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Riyadh to protect the two holy mosques and remained committed to implementing its Makkah Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, as an escalating Houthi offensive opened a new front in the wider Middle East conflict.

Why did Pakistan reaffirm support for Saudi Arabia?

The statement came a day after Saudi-led coalition forces said they intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Makkah before it could enter the city's restricted airspace. The Houthis denied targeting the holy city. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan was closely monitoring developments and fully supported Saudi Arabia in protecting the holy sites.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the reported attack on Makkah and called on all parties to exercise restraint. "Peace and stability are in the interest of the entire region, including Pakistan and Iran," Khan said, urging the Houthis to stop their activities. Pakistan has previously condemned a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and infrastructure, saying such actions threaten regional stability.

The escalation followed a rapid Houthi advance along Yemen's Red Sea coast, bringing the group closer to the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital shipping route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. It has also raised concerns over Saudi oil exports and maritime trade, as the wider regional conflict disrupts other major shipping routes. Islamabad has also expressed support for Saudi Arabia's right to protect its territory and national assets.

Is Pakistan committed to the Makkah Defense Agreement?

Khan said Pakistan remained committed to the Makkah Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, though he declined to disclose its operational details. He described the pact as defensive in nature, intended to strengthen peace and stability in the region, and said it would enhance cooperation among the three countries in defense and training.

Khan added that Pakistan would continue to support dialogue and diplomacy to address regional challenges.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on September 13, he said. Pakistan has previously said that while it would fulfil its obligations under the agreement, no specific military response to the Houthi attacks had been discussed.

What is the naval incident Pakistan protested with India?

While addressing the Middle East crisis, the Foreign Office also raised tensions with neighboring India over a naval incident in Pakistan's Exclusive Economic Zone. Khan said Pakistan had summoned India's chargé d'affaires and lodged a strong protest over an incident involving an Indian Navy vessel on September 15. According to Pakistan, the Indian vessel carried out "aggressive maneuvers" dangerously close to a Pakistani naval ship during Pakistan Navy exercises, resulting in contact between the two vessels.

Pakistan considers the incident a serious violation of international law and the 1991 bilateral agreement on advance notice of military exercises, maneuvers and troop movements, Khan said. Pakistan has urged India to strictly adhere to international law and bilateral agreements. The Indian diplomat was told that Pakistan strongly condemned the incident, while Pakistan's chargé d'affaires in New Delhi would lodge a similar demarche with India's Ministry of External Affairs, Khan said.

Islamabad has also called on the international community to take notice of what it described as India's provocative policy, urging New Delhi to refrain from actions that could further destabilize South Asia.

What did Pakistan say about regional diplomacy and access to Central Asia?

Khan said China and other regional countries wanted peace and stability, adding that promoting regional stability remained Pakistan's objective. He also pointed to Pakistan's access to Central Asia through Iranian territory as an important factor in the prevailing regional situation. Pakistan recently hosted a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Islamabad, where member states agreed on joint activities, he said.

India was represented by its chargé d'affaires at the SCO meeting in Islamabad and is expected to attend next year's meeting in the Pakistani capital as well, Khan added.

What will Pakistan raise at the UN General Assembly?

Pakistan will also use the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session to present its positions on several longstanding foreign policy issues.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan's delegation to the UNGA session next week, Khan said. The prime minister is expected to address issues including Islamophobia, counterterrorism, the Kashmir dispute and Palestine, he added.

Did Pakistan block Sikh pilgrims from travelling to India?

The Foreign Office also rejected reports that Pakistan was preventing Sikh citizens from travelling to India. Khan said India had closed the Wagah border and made it difficult for Pakistani citizens to obtain visas. Pakistan issued more than 2,800 visas this year for Vaisakhi, he said.

He also said the Kartarpur Corridor had been closed by India, not Pakistan, and that Islamabad remained ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims through the corridor.

What did Pakistan say about Afghan students and terrorism from Afghanistan?

On Afghan nationals in Pakistan, Khan said Afghan students holding valid Pakistani visas and staying in the country for educational courses could continue to remain in the country.

He said Pakistan had seen reports of visits to Kabul by Qatari and Turkish officials but was unaware of the objectives or background of those visits.

Khan reiterated Pakistan's support for resolving regional issues through dialogue. "Now Afghanistan has to stop terrorism emanating from its territory," he said.

How many Pakistanis were rescued after the ship attack off Oman?

The Foreign Office also provided an update on a maritime incident off Oman. Khan said an attack had taken place on a ship carrying 23 Pakistani nationals.

Twenty two Pakistanis had been rescued, while one Pakistani national who was in the engine room remained missing, he said.

What agreements did Pakistan reach with Lebanon and the IAEA?

Khan said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had reiterated Pakistan's full support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial security during the Lebanese foreign minister's visit to Pakistan. Under a memorandum of understanding between Pakistan and Lebanon, convicted prisoners would be able to serve their sentences in their respective countries, he added.

Khan said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had spoken with International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi. He also said Shafqat Ali Khan had presented his diplomatic credentials in Armenia this week as Pakistan's first ambassador to the country.