Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, has strongly condemned the drone attack near Mecca and said the people of Pakistan are “saddened and concerned” by the incident.
In a message on X on Wednesday, September 16 (25 Sunbula), Sharif thanked the Saudi Arabian armed forces for what he called their “vigilance, courage, and professional performance” in the rapid interception of the drone.
The Pakistani Prime Minister also called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
He emphasized that the region has already paid a heavy price for war, and said dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable path to peace.
Shehbaz Sharif concluded by stating that Pakistan will stand with Saudi Arabia in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain (the Two Holy Mosques).
This comes as Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said Saudi Arabia’s air defense intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca — an incident Saudi officials described as a threat to the security of the holy city and pilgrims, warning of responses to potential future attacks.
The Houthis, however, have denied claims of targeting Mecca.
