Pakistani PM reaffirms full support for Saudi Arabia's right to self-defense

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Pakistan fully supports Saudi Arabia's legitimate right to self-defense during a meeting in Islamabad with Nauman Mahmood, the first secretary-general of the Makkah Alliance for Defense, the Prime Minister's Office said.

Sharif congratulated Mahmood on assuming office and described the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement as a historic milestone for peace, unity and stability in the region, according to the statement.

Under the agreement, Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, defense and regional security, the statement said. Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

Mahmood briefed Sharif on efforts to promote defense and strategic cooperation among member states under the framework of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, the statement added.

Yemen's Houthi group and the Saudi-led coalition have continued mutual attacks in recent days. On October 10, the terminal of King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh was attacked, leaving 12 people dead and 309 others injured.

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement in August. The agreement stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three countries shall be considered an attack on all.