PM Shehbaz Condemns Houthi Attack, Backs Saudi Security

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned Houthi attacks on civilian and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, placing Pakistan firmly behind the kingdom as a fresh escalation in the Gulf raised concerns over regional security. The prime minister issued his response after Saudi authorities reported strikes on several southern cities and damage linked to attacks on civilian and economic targets.

Saudi authorities said the attacks targeted Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran with drones and missiles, leaving 73 civilians injured, including women and children. The escalation also affected energy-related facilities, intensifying concern that renewed fighting could disrupt infrastructure and commercial activity in one of the world's most important energy-producing regions.

In his public response, Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan's solidarity with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people. He said attacks on civilian targets endangered lives and threatened wider regional peace, while reiterating Islamabad's support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. The prime minister also expressed hopes for the recovery of those injured.

Saudi officials responded by signalling that the kingdom would defend its territory and national assets. The Saudi-led coalition described the latest escalation as serious and said measures would be taken to deter further attacks. The Houthis, meanwhile, have continued to threaten Saudi targets amid renewed fighting connected to the broader confrontation involving Iran and the United States, increasing uncertainty across Gulf security and energy markets.

Pakistan's position carries added significance because of its longstanding political, economic and defence relationship with Saudi Arabia. Islamabad and Riyadh have maintained close security cooperation for decades, while Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have recently moved to formalise broader strategic coordination through the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Pakistani officials have presented those arrangements as mechanisms intended to strengthen collective security and regional stability.

The latest confrontation also has economic relevance for Pakistan. Instability around Gulf energy infrastructure and maritime routes can add pressure to international oil markets and shipping costs, developments closely watched in Pakistan because of the country's dependence on imported energy. The renewed regional tensions were already contributing to higher crude prices, adding another layer of concern for governments and businesses monitoring the impact of conflict on supply chains.

Islamabad has not announced any separate military deployment or operational response to the latest Houthi attacks. For now, Pakistan's publicly stated position remains one of political solidarity and support for Saudi security. Attention will next focus on whether the Houthis carry out further threatened operations, how Saudi Arabia responds to the attacks, and whether Pakistan and its regional partners hold additional diplomatic or security consultations as the situation develops.