Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has promised Pakistan’s full support to Saudi Arabia. He gave the pledge in a meeting with the new Makkah Defense Alliance leadership. The move comes amid rising tensions in the region.
What the prime minister said
Shehbaz said Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia. He called the kingdom’s security a shared duty. Any threat to Saudi land is a threat to Pakistan, he said.
The meeting took place in Riyadh this week. Both sides discussed defence ties in detail. They agreed to stay in close contact in the coming months.
Officials said the talks were warm and frank. Trade and investment also came up for discussion. But security remained the main focus of the meeting.
Missile intercepted near holy sites
A Saudi-led coalition said it stopped a Houthi missile. The missile was heading toward the Medina and Riyadh region. Air defences destroyed it in time.
The Houthis are a rebel group based in Yemen. They have fired missiles at Saudi Arabia before. The kingdom calls such attacks war crimes.
No damage or injuries were reported this time. But the attack raised fresh fears across the region. Holy sites draw millions of visitors each year.
Why Pakistan cares
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are old and close allies. The kingdom has helped Pakistan in hard times. Thousands of Pakistanis also work in Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan’s army has trained Saudi forces in the past. The two countries hold joint military drills. A defence pact links their security interests.
For Pakistan, Gulf peace means stable oil prices. It also means safe jobs for its workers abroad. Any war in the region would hurt Pakistan badly.
Regional tensions rising
The Middle East faces many crises at once. The Yemen war has lasted for years. Iran and its allies remain active in the region.
The United States has warned Iran against new attacks. Oil prices have already crossed 100 dollars a barrel. Every new strike adds to global worry.
Analysts say Pakistan must walk a fine line. It wants peace with all sides in the region. But its bond with Saudi Arabia is truly special.
A long history of friendship
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia became friends decades ago. The kingdom gave oil on easy terms in hard times. Pakistan sent troops to guard Saudi borders.
During past crises, Saudi aid kept Pakistan’s economy afloat. Pakistani workers built Saudi cities and roads. The bond is both deep and old.
Religious ties add to this friendship. Millions of Pakistanis visit Makkah each year. The holy cities hold a special place in their hearts.
What analysts say
Experts call the pledge a strong signal. It tells the region that Pakistan backs its ally. It also warns hostile groups to stay away.
Some analysts urge caution as well. They say Pakistan should avoid any direct war role. Words of support are enough for now.
Others note the timing of the pledge. It came right after the missile attack. The message to the Houthis is loud and clear.
Impact on oil and workers
Gulf peace keeps oil prices stable. War would send prices sky-high. Pakistan would pay more for every litre.
Over two million Pakistanis work in Saudi Arabia. Their wages support families back home. Peace keeps their jobs safe.
Trade between the two countries is also growing. New Saudi investment is expected soon. Stability helps business on both sides.
The prime minister will brief the cabinet on his return. Parliament may also debate the regional situation. Pakistan’s message of peace will go to every forum.
Shehbaz’s pledge shows clearly where Pakistan stands. The country wants a calm and safe Middle East. Diplomacy will now decide what comes next.
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