Pakistan on Sunday strongly condemned a Houthi militia attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
Saudi authorities said the attack on Saturday killed at least 12 people and wounded 309. They described it as part of an escalation by the Iran-backed group’s campaign against the kingdom.
Victims and the prime minister’s condemnation
According to the Saudi civil aviation authority, the dead included four Saudis, two Bangladeshis, and one person each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt.
- Four Saudi nationals
- Two Bangladeshi nationals
- One each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt
In a statement, Sharif called the attack a “heinous attack” and offered condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the swift and full recovery of those injured.
He said attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure were “completely unacceptable” and posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability. According to Sharif, such violence violates international law and must stop immediately.
Sharif pointed to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and the bonds of brotherhood between the two countries. “We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security,” he said.
Foreign Office calls on the international community to act
In a separate statement, the Foreign Office described the attack on a civilian airport as a heinous act of terrorism. It called the attack a flagrant violation of international law and a grave threat to regional peace and security.
The ministry said it was deeply concerned by reports of casualties and injuries. It extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a complete recovery.
The Foreign Office said the Houthi militia’s continued targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure was “utterly unacceptable” and must be condemned by the international community. It said such “brazen and indiscriminate acts of aggression” could not be justified under any circumstances.
Pakistan fully backed Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend its territory, its people and its cities against all threats. It urged the Houthi militia to halt its attacks and stop its terrorist activities.
“Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, resolute in its commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, security and defence,” the Foreign Office said.
Defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye
The Foreign Office statement followed a decision by Islamabad, Riyadh and Ankara to ensure the “rapid deployment” of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia. The three countries reached the decision at an emergency meeting of the MJDA in Riyadh, the Foreign Office said on October 6.
The ministry said the deployment would be carried out under “approved arrangements” and in line with the national laws of the three countries.
Later that day, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that Pakistan and Turkiye have been providing support to Saudi Arabia in its operations against the Houthis in Yemen.
