ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani foreign office on Monday condemned recent attacks launched by Houthi militants toward a southern region of Saudi Arabia over the weekend and called for their “immediate cessations.”
Saudi Arabian air defenses late on Saturday destroyed six armed drones launched by Yemen’s Houthi militants toward the kingdom, bringing the total it intercepted during the day to 17, state TV cited the Saudi-led coalition as saying.
A Houthi spokesman said on Twitter one drone was launched at a military base in Khamis Mushait.
The coalition said two further drones were fired at Khamis Mushait while eight drones were fired toward the south of the kingdom, one of which was aimed toward the city of Najran, according to state TV. All of the drones were intercepted.
Houthis militants have frequently targeted Khamis Mushait and other Saudi cities along the frontier in the more than six-year-old conflict in Yemen.
“It is commendable that the coalition forces successfully intercepted the explosive-laden drones and destroyed them,” the Pakistani foreign office said. “These attacks threaten the lives of innocent people, besides violating the territorial integrity of the Kingdom. We call for immediate cessation of such attacks.”
The statement added: “Pakistan reaffirms its full support and solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against any threats to its security and territorial integrity.”
Pakistan calls for ‘immediate cessation’ of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
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Pakistan calls for ‘immediate cessation’ of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
- Saudi air defenses intercepted 17 Houthi armed drones on Saturday
- Pakistan pledges to stand with kingdom against any attacks on its security, territorial integrity
Pakistan PM, Azerbaijan president agree to boost cooperation in defense, energy and trade
- PM Shehbaz Sharif was accompanied by Field Marshal Asim Munir during his meeting with Aliyev
- Pakistan and Azerbaijan have been expanding cooperation through high-level visits and agreements
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on Friday agreed to further strengthen cooperation in defense, energy, trade and politics, said an official statement released in Islamabad.
The development took place during a meeting between the two leaders in Baku, which was also attended by Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Sharif and Munir are currently visiting the Central Asian state to attend the 50th Victory Day celebrations marking the end of Azerbaijan’s 44-day war with Armenia over Karabakh.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have expanded cooperation this year through high-level visits and multiple agreements while reaffirming mutual support on regional and international issues.
“Both leaders reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to further strengthen their multifaceted cooperation in the areas of politics, trade and investment, energy, connectivity and defense,” the PM Office said in a statement.
During the meeting, Sharif thanked Aliyev for the invitation to the celebrations and congratulated the government and people of Azerbaijan.
He said Azerbaijan’s victory served as a “beacon of hope” for the people of Kashmir and Palestine.
Aliyev accepted Sharif’s invitation to visit Islamabad again and thanked Pakistan for its support in Azerbaijan’s struggle in the Karabakh region. He also praised Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability in South Asia.
This marks Sharif’s fourth visit to Azerbaijan this year.
In July, he met President Aliyev in Khankendi on the sidelines of the 17th ECO Summit, while in May he traveled to Baku as part of a broader economic diplomacy drive with Central Asian republics, offering them access to Pakistan’s southern ports in Karachi and Gwadar.
In addition to their long-standing fraternal ties, Pakistan and Azerbaijan maintain close cooperation in regional and international forums including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization and the United Nations.
In July 2024, Azerbaijan announced a $2 billion investment in Pakistan during President Aliyev’s visit to Islamabad.
Earlier, in September 2023, Pakistan signed a contract to supply JF-17 Block III fighter jets to Azerbaijan, marking a significant step in strengthening defense cooperation.
