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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity following Houthi attacks on the kingdom, invoking the joint defense agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Sharif condemned attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport that resulted in civilian deaths and injuries this week, while praising Saudi and coalition forces for intercepting ballistic missiles.
"Pakistan stands firmly and steadfastly in solidarity with the leadership and people of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he wrote on X. "The Houthis militia must immediately cease these attacks."
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said Thursday that it intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward Riyadh and Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Houthi group, meanwhile, claimed that it had targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with a ballistic missile, disrupting air traffic.
The latest developments followed attacks on King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport that left three people dead and 36 others injured, according to Saudi authorities.
The incidents prompted flight disruptions, with airlines reviewing or suspending services to the kingdom. Saudi authorities urged passengers to check with their airlines for updates before heading to airports.
The Mecca alliance, established by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye under a joint defense agreement signed on Aug. 7, aims to strengthen military and security cooperation among the three countries.
The alliance has moved toward putting its collective defense commitments into practice as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensify.
At an emergency meeting in Riyadh on Oct. 5, the three countries agreed to implement their commitments immediately and prepare for the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia.
The meeting also saw the appointment of retired Pakistani Lt. Gen. Nauman Mahmood as the alliance's first secretary-general for a three-year term.
Türkiye is considering air defense systems, electronic warfare capabilities and technical assistance for Saudi Arabia, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, ruling out an offensive military role.
Pakistan has also pledged additional military support, though the three countries have yet to disclose the full details of their deployment plans.
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