Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday as Islamabad moved to reassure Riyadh about its commitment to the recently signed defence pact amid the escalating Yemen conflict.
During the phone call, Sharif strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s civilian and economic infrastructure and expressed complete solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people. He said the attacks posed a threat to regional peace and security and could further affect global economic stability and energy supplies.
The outreach followed clarification from Islamabad that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey does not automatically require Pakistan to launch offensive military operations against the Iran-backed Houthis. The clarification came after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had earlier indicated that the pact could become operational if Houthi attacks spilled over into Saudi Arabia.
The agreement states that an armed attack against any of the three countries would be treated as an attack against all. Pakistan has since emphasised that the arrangement is defensive in nature.
The Yemen conflict has intensified, with Saudi-backed government forces attacking Houthi positions in areas including Mokha and Dhubab, while the Houthis have launched attacks towards Saudi Arabia. The fighting has also renewed concerns over security around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key global shipping route. More than 82,000 people have reportedly been displaced since the start of September.
Sharif told the Saudi Crown Prince that he, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar would continue efforts to promote peace and reduce regional tensions. Mohammed bin Salman appreciated Pakistan’s support and peace efforts.
The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and expressed an intention to meet soon. Sharif is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump in New York on September 23 during the UN General Assembly session, giving Islamabad another opportunity to navigate its relationships with Washington and Riyadh.
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