Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned an attempted drone attack reportedly targeting the Holy Site of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, calling the incident an outrageous and unforgivable act.
In a statement, the prime minister said the people of Pakistan were deeply saddened and disturbed by the reported incident. He expressed strong condemnation and said the attack attempt had caused deep anguish among Pakistanis.
Shehbaz Sharif also praised the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for their response. He saluted their vigilance, courage and professionalism, saying their swift action helped prevent the drone from entering the restricted airspace around the holy city.
The prime minister also called on all parties involved in the regional conflict to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation. He said the region had already suffered greatly because of conflict and stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only sustainable path toward peace.
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia and said the country stood shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of Haramain Sharifain.
The condemnation came after Saudi air defence systems reportedly intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi group toward Makkah. According to the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, the drone was detected and brought down south of Makkah before it could enter the holy city’s restricted airspace.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Malki said the drone was intercepted at around 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15. He said debris from the destroyed drone fell in an area south of the city.
Al-Malki described the incident as the second reported attempt by the Houthis to target Makkah. He said a previous attempt occurred on July 27, 2017, when a ballistic missile was reportedly launched toward the holy city.
Saudi authorities have emphasized that the protection of the Grand Mosque, other holy sites and pilgrims remains a major security priority. They also said measures would be taken to prevent further attacks and protect the holy sites.
The reported incident comes amid heightened regional tensions and a series of attacks involving Houthi forces. The latest development has raised renewed concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia’s holy sites and the millions of residents and visitors who travel to the region.
Pakistan’s response reflects its longstanding emphasis on the sanctity and security of the Haramain Sharifain. The prime minister’s statement also called for restraint and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the wider region.
Also read: Saudi Delegation Arrives In Karachi For ‘Road to Makkah’ Project
