Pakistan strongly condemns Houthi attack on Riyadh airport

Pakistan’s Foreign Office and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the latest Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Sunday, October 11, labeling the strike a heinous act of terrorism and a grave threat to regional peace and security.

How did Pakistan's Foreign Office frame its defense commitments to Saudi Arabia?

In an official statement released in Islamabad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed profound grief over the casualties—which killed at least 12 people and injured over 300—extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery to the injured. The Foreign Office emphasized that the deliberate targeting of civilian populations and vital aviation infrastructure constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and an unacceptable act of terrorism that must be unequivocally condemned by the global community.

Reaffirming Islamabad's solidarity with Riyadh, the Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan's steadfast commitment to safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security.

The statement explicitly highlighted Pakistan's obligations under the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defence—the tripartite security alliance between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye activated earlier this month—as well as recent decisions by its Strategic, Political, and Defence Committee. Islamabad affirmed that Pakistan fully backs the Kingdom’s legitimate right to defend its territory, protect its people, and secure its critical cities and infrastructure against all acts of aggression.

How does Pakistan's diplomatic stance align with broader regional security developments?

The strong statement arrives as Pakistani military contingents deployed to Saudi Arabia under the collective defense provisions of the Makkah Alliance begin operational integration alongside Saudi forces. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the Houthi movement to immediately halt cross-border attacks, warning that continued targeting of civilian sites imperils stability across the broader Middle East.

Pakistan's diplomatic backing coincides with US President Donald Trump signaling potential American participation in joint military strikes against Houthi targets in response to the Riyadh airport strike. Pakistani political and military leadership maintain continuous consultation with Saudi counterparts as defense readiness is elevated across the region