Pakistan PM deems Houthi attacks on Saudi holy sites a ‘red line’

NEW YORK — Pakistan’s Prime Minister said on Friday that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s holy cities of Mecca and Medina were a “red line” that could not be crossed. The statement came as the United Nations Security Council condemned a series of Houthi‑launched missile and drone strikes on Saudi territory and as Riyadh sought diplomatic backing from Pakistan and Turkey.

Houthi threat to the holy sites

In recent weeks, the Houthi movement in Yemen has intensified its campaign against Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian infrastructure and the two cities that house Islam’s most sacred mosques. The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of millions of pilgrims who travel to the Hajj and Umrah each year. The Pakistani government has repeatedly called for a coordinated international response to curb the Houthi threat.

Pakistan’s warning

During a televised address, the Prime Minister stated that any further Houthi aggression toward the holy sites would be treated as a direct challenge to the security of the Islamic world. The statement was made in the context of a broader diplomatic effort to secure the region, following a meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan that was held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates on 24 September.

UN Security Council reaction

The UN Security Council, in a resolution adopted on 23 September, condemned the Houthi attacks and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The resolution also urged all parties to respect the sanctity of the holy cities and to prevent further escalation. The resolution was supported by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, among others.

Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani diplomatic engagement

Saudi Arabia has been pressing for a “Mecca Pact” that would involve Turkey and Pakistan in a joint effort to counter Houthi missile and drone threats. The pact, which was discussed in a meeting in Riyadh on 22 September, aims to enhance intelligence sharing and to coordinate air defence measures. The Pakistani side has expressed willingness to participate, citing its own experience in counter‑insurgency operations.

Implications for regional security

Security analysts note that the Houthi attacks have already disrupted the flow of pilgrims and have strained the Gulf’s fragile security architecture. The Pakistani Prime Minister’s statement is seen as a signal that Islamabad is prepared to support Saudi Arabia’s security interests, potentially through diplomatic pressure or logistical assistance. The statement also underscores the growing role of Pakistan in Gulf security affairs, a trend that has accelerated since the 2023 Houthi escalation.

Official responses

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry released a statement saying it welcomed Pakistan’s firm stance and reiterated its commitment to protecting the holy cities. The ministry also called on the international community to intensify efforts to isolate the Houthi movement. Turkey’s Defence Ministry, meanwhile, said it was ready to provide technical support to Saudi air defence systems.

Houthi position

The Houthi movement has denied that its attacks were aimed at the holy sites, claiming that it was targeting Saudi military infrastructure. However, several of the missiles were launched from positions close to the borders of the holy cities, raising questions about the intent and potential collateral damage.

Future diplomatic steps

Pakistan has scheduled a series of meetings with Saudi and Turkish officials in the coming weeks to discuss a coordinated response. The Prime Minister’s warning is expected to influence the agenda of the upcoming UN Security Council sessions, where the issue of Houthi attacks on the holy sites will remain a priority.