ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned “in the strongest possible terms” an attempted drone attack on the holy city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, calling it a “dastardly and heinous” act that has left the nation “saddened and perturbed.”
In a statement posted on X, PM Shehbaz said there were “no words strong enough” to capture the depth of anguish felt by Pakistanis over the incident, describing it as “reprehensible and unforgivable.”
The condemnation came after Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted a drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it could enter the holy city’s prohibited airspace, with the Saudi-led coalition calling the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims a “red line.” A coalition spokesperson said this marked only the second such hostile attempt to target Makkah, the first having occurred in 2017. The Express Tribune Asharq Al-Awsat
The Prime Minister praised the “extraordinary vigilance, courage, and professionalism” of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for their “swift and heroic action” in neutralising the threat.
He also renewed calls for restraint across the region, saying, “Our region has already suffered far too much from conflict. Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path towards peace.”
Reaffirming Islamabad’s ties with Riyadh, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan stands “unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder” with Saudi Arabia in defence of its sovereignty and the sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain — a commitment he said “every Pakistani carries close to their heart.”
The incident follows a wave of Houthi missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, with thirteen civilians injured in attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif on Monday, and more than 70 people hurt across the kingdom the week before. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the incident, saying the act “violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia” and “gravely offends the religious sentiments of Muslims worldwide.” A Houthi military source has denied the group posed any threat to Makkah or other holy sites.
