Pakistan’s religious leaders have expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and pledged support for the protection of the Haramain Sharifain following the reported attempted Houthi drone attack near Makkah.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, along with religious scholars and leaders of major religious parties, made the statements during an All Parties Conference on the Protection of Haramain Sharifain held in Islamabad. The gathering focused on the security of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s commitments toward the Kingdom.
Yousuf said Pakistan was prepared to fulfil its commitments under the defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. He reiterated that Islamabad and the Pakistani people would support Saudi Arabia in protecting its territory and the sanctity of Islam’s two holiest sites.
Saudi authorities have said their air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthis south of Makkah before it could enter the restricted airspace around the holy city. The Houthis, however, denied that they had attempted to target Makkah or any religious site.
The reported incident has increased attention on Pakistan’s defence commitments to Saudi Arabia. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August 2026. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the agreement provides that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all three, while describing the pact as defensive in nature.
Speakers at the Islamabad conference called for a coordinated response from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Senator Abdul Karim, who hosted the gathering, said the participants condemned the reported attack and called on the three governments to work together in responding to attacks against Saudi territory.
Pakistan has already publicly condemned the reported drone attack near Makkah. The Foreign Office said Islamabad stands with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain and ensuring the safety of pilgrims, citizens and residents. Pakistan has also called for restraint, dialogue and diplomatic efforts to prevent further regional escalation.
The developments come amid increased Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and wider regional tensions. Pakistan’s military leadership has also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to Saudi security, while officials continue to discuss how existing defence arrangements would operate in the event of further escalation.
The latest conference highlights the growing focus in Pakistan on the security of Saudi Arabia and the Haramain Sharifain, while Islamabad continues to balance its defence commitments with its stated support for dialogue, regional stability and de-escalation.
