Pakistan’s government has strongly condemned the Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar issuing statements of solidarity with Saudi authorities. The attack, which targeted a key Saudi military and diplomatic hub, has prompted Pakistan to reaffirm its commitment to Saudi sovereignty and regional stability.
The government expressed deep concern over the incident, with Dar emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity. The attack, which occurred amid ongoing regional tensions, has intensified calls for greater coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh to counter militant threats.
This follows a broader pattern of Pakistan’s increased diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the wake of the 2023 Saudi-Emirati military intervention in Yemen. The Houthi group, backed by Iran, has long been a point of contention between regional powers, with Pakistan maintaining a neutral stance while advocating for peaceful resolution.
Separately, Pakistan’s president declared a state of emergency in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, home to Imran Khan’s party, ahead of a planned protest demanding his release. The move, which suspends the provincial government, comes amid allegations that Khan’s administration has failed to address Islamist militancy effectively. The emergency rule allows federal authorities to take over provincial governance, a measure previously used in 2019 during the TTP insurgency.
The dual developments highlight the complex interplay between regional security concerns and domestic political dynamics in Pakistan, as the government navigates both external threats and internal stability.
