Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia and stressed the importance of regional peace and stability during his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The prime minister strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and said Pakistan stood in solidarity with the Saudi people. The remarks came amid heightened regional tensions and continuing attacks involving Saudi territory.
Shehbaz Sharif Condemns Houthi Attacks
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif condemned what he described as recent attacks by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia.
He specifically referred to an attempted attack involving the sacred city of Makkah and said that any threat to the security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques was unacceptable.
The prime minister described the security of Islam’s holiest sites as a red line and stressed that their sanctity must be protected.
The UN has separately documented continuing Houthi cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia, including missile and drone strikes affecting civilian and economic infrastructure.
Pakistan Expresses Solidarity With Saudi Arabia
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan would continue to stand in solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people.
His remarks reflect the longstanding relationship between Islamabad and Riyadh, with security cooperation forming an important part of bilateral ties.
Pakistan has also reiterated its support for regional stability at international forums as tensions have increased across the Middle East.
At a recent UN Security Council meeting, Pakistan condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and said the violence posed risks to regional peace and stability.
Makkah Security Highlighted
The prime minister placed particular emphasis on the importance of protecting Makkah and the other holy sites in Saudi Arabia.
He said threats to the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques could not be treated as an ordinary regional security issue because of their religious significance for Muslims around the world.
The remarks came after reports of continuing Houthi attacks against Saudi territory. UN officials have also expressed concern over the escalation and called on the parties to exercise restraint and protect civilians.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Defence Cooperation
Shehbaz Sharif also referred to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
He presented the agreement as part of a collective commitment to regional defence, stability and peace.
The prime minister stressed that the arrangement was not directed against any particular state but was intended to support regional security.
The agreement has also been discussed by officials from the three countries amid the latest regional security developments.
UNGA Address Comes Amid Regional Tensions
The prime minister’s remarks came during the high-level debate of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session, which is being held in New York from September 22 to 28 as part of the UN’s 2026 high-level week.
The wider Middle East remains a major focus of international diplomatic discussions, with concerns involving Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea and other regional flashpoints.
UN officials have called for restraint and continued diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Pakistan Calls for Regional Peace
Pakistan’s position, as outlined by the prime minister, combines support for Saudi Arabia with a broader call for regional stability.
Shehbaz Sharif said the country remained committed to peace and stability and highlighted cooperation among regional states.
Pakistan has also raised concerns about the wider economic and security consequences of instability in the region, particularly for energy supplies and international trade routes.
The latest statement reinforces Islamabad’s stated position that regional disputes should not be allowed to further destabilise the wider Middle East.
Focus on Stability and Security
The prime minister’s UN address places Saudi Arabia’s security within the broader context of regional peace.
While condemning the attacks, Pakistan has also emphasised the importance of preventing further escalation and maintaining diplomatic engagement.
UN discussions on Yemen and Saudi Arabia have similarly focused on protecting civilians, respecting international law and avoiding actions that could deepen the conflict.
Pakistan’s reaffirmation of support for Saudi Arabia comes as the two countries continue their close diplomatic and security engagement.
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