Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned Houthi ballistic missile attacks on October 24 that targeted the Makkah and Madinah regions of Saudi Arabia. Pakistan condemns Houthi attacks of this kind as a grave violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
In a statement on X, the Foreign Office said the attacks showed a blatant disregard for the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites and the safety of civilians. The attacks hit areas in the vicinity of the holy sites, including places close to Makkah and Madinah.
On October 24, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence briefly issued alerts warning of potential danger in Taif and Yanbu, as well as in the holy city of Makkah and its second-largest city Jeddah. A Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthis said it destroyed two ballistic missiles fired by the group towards Taif and Yanbu, as fighting between the sides continued.
Pakistan condemns Houthi attacks: what the Foreign Office said
“Pakistan reiterates its unwavering solidarity with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the Foreign Office said, noting its firm commitment to the Makkah alliance. The statement further repeated Islamabad’s steadfast support for the security, stability and defence of Saudi Arabia, including the protection of the two holy mosques, against any external aggression or threat.
“Pakistan also commends the vigilance and efficiency of Saudi air defence forces in countering the attacks,” the Foreign Office concluded.
The Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have been trading attacks since the group advanced in September towards territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a shipping chokepoint at the mouth of the Red Sea.
An earlier attack on Madinah infrastructure
Earlier this month, the Foreign Office strongly condemned an attack by the Houthis on the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah on September 29. That attack hit civilian infrastructure supplying electricity to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque, and the Foreign Office called it a grave provocation.
The Foreign Office said that attack was a matter of deep concern and anguish for millions of Muslims worldwide. It stressed that the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of worshippers and pilgrims must be respected under all circumstances.
Pakistan called for an immediate and unconditional end to reckless actions, saying they also posed a grave threat to regional peace and security.
Why the statement matters for Pakistan
For Pakistani readers, the statement carries weight beyond diplomacy. Large numbers of Pakistanis live and work in Saudi Arabia, and many more travel there for pilgrimage each year. Attacks near the holy cities therefore touch families in Pakistan directly, not only governments in the region.
The condemnation also sits inside a closer defence relationship between the two countries. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have completed ratification of the Makkah pact, as reported in our report on the Makkah pact and the Tehran visit. The agreement framework, signed with Turkiye as well, treats an armed attack on one signatory as an attack on all three, and it has been followed by closer military coordination.
That background explains the firm tone of Monday’s statement. It also explains why Pakistan linked the October 24 attacks to the safety of civilians and pilgrims, rather than treating them as a distant regional clash.
The story follows other recent developments in the region covered by Feature Pakistan, including flights resuming at Riyadh airport and the reopening of Riyadh airport after Houthi threats. A separate claim about Houthi strikes on pumping stations showed how the same conflict has already reached energy infrastructure in the kingdom.
The condemnation was reported by The Express Tribune.
What did Pakistan condemn?
Pakistan condemned Houthi ballistic missile attacks on October 24 that targeted the Makkah and Madinah regions of Saudi Arabia.
What did the Foreign Office say about the holy sites?
It said the attacks showed a blatant disregard for the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites and the safety of civilians.
What happened on October 24?
Saudi Civil Defence issued alerts for Taif, Yanbu, Makkah and Jeddah, and the Saudi-led coalition said it destroyed two ballistic missiles fired towards Taif and Yanbu.
Has Pakistan condemned similar attacks before?
Yes. Earlier in October, Pakistan condemned a Houthi attack on the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah on September 29, calling it a grave provocation.
