PM Shehbaz Sharif Condemns Attempted Drone Attack Near Makkah
ISLAMABAD:Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the reported attempted drone attack near Makkah Al-Mukarramah, describing it as an unacceptable act and reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities said their air defence systems intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Makkah on Tuesday evening before it could enter the city’s restricted airspace. The Saudi-led coalition attributed the drone to the Houthis, while the Houthis have denied targeting Makkah.
In a statement posted on social media, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan strongly condemned the reported attempt to target the sacred city and expressed deep concern over the incident.
He said the people of Pakistan were deeply distressed by the development and reaffirmed that the country stood alongside Saudi Arabia in protecting the security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques.
The prime minister also praised the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for what he described as their vigilance, courage and professionalism in swiftly responding to the threat.
Shehbaz Sharif once again called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and step back from further escalation. He said the region had already paid a heavy price because of conflicts and emphasized dialogue and diplomacy as the means of achieving lasting peace.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, as well as the protection of the sanctity and security of the Two Holy Mosques.
The incident comes amid a sharp escalation in fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-aligned Houthi group. Saudi officials have described the security of Makkah and the Two Holy Mosques as a “red line.”
