ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday strongly condemned a Houthi militia attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
Saudi authorities said at least 12 people were killed and 309 injured in the attack on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday, as the Iran-backed group escalated its campaign against the kingdom.
According to Saudi civil aviation authorities, the dead included four Saudis, two Bangladeshis and one person each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt.
In a statement, the prime minister condemned what he described as a “heinous attack” and extended condolences to the bereaved families, while praying for the swift and full recovery of those injured.
“Attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and constitute a serious threat to regional peace and stability,” Shehbaz said, adding that such acts of violence, which constitute a flagrant violation of international law, must cease immediately.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia, its leadership and its people, citing the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and the longstanding bonds of brotherhood between the two countries.
“We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security,” the prime minister said.
Separately, the Foreign Office (FO) strongly condemned the attack, describing the targeting of a civilian airport as a heinous act of terrorism, a flagrant violation of international law and a grave threat to regional peace and security.
The FO expressed profound concern over reports of casualties and injuries, extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a swift and complete recovery.
“The continued targeting of civilian population and critical infrastructure by the Houthi militia is utterly unacceptable and must be condemned unequivocally by the international community,” the FO said.
It added that such “brazen and indiscriminate acts of aggression” could not be justified under any circumstances and must cease immediately.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan stood in unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people amid repeated attacks.
“In accordance with the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defence and the recent decisions taken by its Strategic, Political and Defence Committee, Pakistan reiterates its firm and unshakeable commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement said.
The FO also expressed Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its territory, protect its people and safeguard its cities and vital infrastructure against threats and acts of aggression.
Calling for an immediate halt to the attacks, Pakistan urged the Houthi militia to cease its activities and called on the international community to take a firm stand against actions that endanger innocent lives and undermine regional stability.
“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.
The statement came days after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye agreed to ensure the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities in the kingdom.
The three countries reached the decision during an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Riyadh, according to the Foreign Office on October 6. The deployment would take place under approved arrangements and in accordance with the national laws of the three countries, it said.
Later that day, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that Pakistan and Turkiye had been providing support to Saudi Arabia in its operations against the Houthis in Yemen.