By Dr. Lubna Farah
ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm and unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, strongly condemning the reported escalation in Houthi attacks against the Kingdom.
The Prime Minister conveyed this position during a meeting with newly arrived Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy, who called on him in Islamabad.
Welcoming the Saudi envoy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated him on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities and expressed confidence that his tenure would contribute to further consolidating the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The Prime Minister underscored the significant progress achieved in bilateral relations in recent years, reaffirming Islamabad’s resolve to strengthen institutional coordination and expand strategic cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest.
He strongly condemned the reported intensification of Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, which, according to the official statement, had resulted in fatalities and injuries among civilians, including Pakistani nationals. He emphasised that attacks endangering civilian lives and the security of the Kingdom were a matter of grave concern.
Reiterating the enduring strategic bond between the two countries, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had consistently stood by each other in times of need. He described the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance as landmark developments in their longstanding partnership, reflecting a shared resolve to advance regional stability and safeguard mutual security interests.
“Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” the Prime Minister reaffirmed, underscoring Islamabad’s steadfast solidarity with Riyadh.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the Saudi leadership’s longstanding economic and financial assistance, acknowledging the Kingdom’s continued support for Pakistan’s economic stability and development.
Concluding the meeting, the Prime Minister wished Ambassador Albugamy success in his diplomatic mission and assured him of the government’s full cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing the strategic partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh.
The meeting reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to sustaining close diplomatic coordination, deepening defence and security cooperation, and reinforcing their longstanding partnership in pursuit of regional peace and stability.
