Shehbaz Sharif Calls Houthi Threats to Holy Sites a Red Line

Shehbaz Sharif Condemns Houthi Attacks

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. He expressed Pakistan's solidarity with Saudi Arabia and spoke about the importance of protecting the country's security and holy sites.

Makkah and Madinah Called a Red Line

Sharif said that any threat to the safety and sanctity of Makkah and Madinah would be a red line that must not be crossed. His remarks came after Saudi Arabia reported attacks involving Houthi drones and missiles, including an incident that Saudi authorities said involved a drone directed toward the Makkah area.

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Pakistan Highlights Makkah Defence Agreement

Sharif also referred to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye. He described the agreement as a collective commitment to defence, regional stability and peace rather than an arrangement directed against a particular country.

Military Chiefs Meet in Riyadh

The remarks came as the military chiefs of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye held talks in Riyadh. The officials reviewed the security situation facing Saudi Arabia and discussed stronger intelligence sharing, military coordination and integration of defence capabilities.

Three Countries Reaffirm Collective Defence

The military chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to collective defence under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. They also expressed a shared intention to translate the commitments under the agreement into practical military cooperation.

Agreement Signed in August

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, 2026. The agreement states that an armed attack against one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all three, while also providing for expanded defence cooperation.

Regional Security Remains a Focus

The developments come amid increased security concerns in the region and reported Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. Sharif also called in his UN address for major regional waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandeb, to remain open because of their importance to global trade