Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned an attempted drone attack near the Holy Site of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
In a statement posted on X, the prime minister described the attempt as a “dastardly and heinous” act and said the people of Pakistan were deeply saddened and perturbed by the incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the Royal Saudi Armed Forces for their vigilance, courage and professionalism, saying the drone was intercepted before it could enter Makkah’s restricted airspace.
He also called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation, stressing that the region had already suffered greatly because of conflict.
According to the prime minister, dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path towards peace. PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia, saying Pakistan stands “shoulder to shoulder” with the Kingdom in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He further reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain, describing their protection as a duty held close to the heart of every Pakistani.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed the drone south of Makkah before it entered the prohibited airspace of the holy city. Houthi officials, however, have rejected the claim that they targeted Makkah.
Yesterday, emergency warning sirens were activated in several parts of Saudi Arabia. The alerts were issued through the country’s National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies. The Civil Defence has also asked people to contact it if they sense danger in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, as well as in the rest of the Kingdom.
The General Directorate of Civil Defence confirmed the warning. It was the second time the sirens were activated in less than three hours.
Earlier alerts were issued in Abha and Khamis Mushait.
- Jeddah Governorate
- Taif Governorate
- Yanbu Governorate
- AlUla Governorate
- Abha City
- Jazan Province
