Islamabad: Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has categorically denied a New York Times report alleging that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircraft were used against Houthi forces in Saudi Arabia, labeling the story as false and fabricated.
In a fact-check released on Thursday, the ministry addressed the New York Times article titled “Explosions Heard in Riyadh After Saudis Say Houthi Attacks Killed 3 in Kingdom,” stating that the claim regarding PAF aircraft involvement was incorrect. The ministry emphasized that the report’s attribution was baseless and urged international media outlets to avoid speculative coverage concerning Pakistan’s military role under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
“The New York Times story attributing the use of PAF aircraft against Houthis is fake and fabricated,” the ministry declared. It further stressed that any decisions about deploying Pakistani military forces would be officially communicated by the appropriate authorities.
This clarification comes amid heightened Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, with multiple explosions reported in Riyadh on Thursday. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for strikes targeting the Saudi capital and other locations, while Saudi officials have reported intercepting missiles launched toward Riyadh and surrounding areas.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey had previously agreed on arrangements for rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. This pact was discussed during an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the three nations held in Riyadh on October 5.
The ministry’s statement follows earlier instances where unverified reports suggested Pakistani aircraft were involved in Saudi Arabia. In September, the ministry also dismissed claims that Houthi missiles had damaged Pakistani JF-17 fighter jets stationed at King Abdulaziz Air Base.
As Saudi Arabia faces renewed missile and drone threats from the Houthis amid ongoing regional tensions, Pakistan continues to maintain that any military engagement will be transparently communicated by the relevant authorities.
