Pakistan Stands by Saudi Arabia After Houthi Attacks, Shehbaz–Mohammed bin Salman Talks Focus on De-escalation and Regional Stability
Islamabad, Pakistan | September 13, 2026 | The Global Journal
Pakistan has expressed full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia following recent Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed Islamabad’s firm support for Saudi Arabia’s security during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, while also reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in West Asia.
During the call on Sunday, Shehbaz Sharif said the recent Houthi attacks posed a serious threat not only to Saudi Arabia’s security but also to regional peace and stability. He also warned that continued attacks could further disrupt the global economy and energy supplies.
According to Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz expressed complete solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people and condemned attacks targeting Saudi civilian and economic infrastructure.
Concerns Over Oil Supplies and Energy Security
The attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure have raised fresh concerns over global oil supplies. Saudi Arabia recently suspended operations on its approximately 1,200-kilometre East-West oil pipeline following a drone attack launched from Iraq.
The pipeline is an important alternative export route for Saudi crude, allowing oil to reach the Red Sea while bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Any further disruption to key energy routes could place additional pressure on international oil markets.
Saudi authorities said a projectile fired by the Houthis on Saturday injured two people and damaged several buildings, including a mosque. The incident came amid a broader campaign involving missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities and energy facilities.
Pakistan Pushes for Diplomatic De-escalation
During the phone call, Shehbaz Sharif said he, Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar would continue efforts to reduce tensions and promote peace in West Asia.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and expressed hope of meeting soon.
Defence Pact Gains Renewed Attention
The latest Houthi attacks have also brought renewed attention to the mutual defence agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7. Under the pact, an attack on any one of the three countries is to be treated as an attack on all three.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on September 9 that there should be no ambiguity regarding the commitment under the agreement. He indicated that an unprovoked attack on a member state, or the spillover of the Yemen conflict into Saudi Arabia, could potentially trigger the pact’s collective-defence provisions.
However, Islamabad has so far emphasized diplomatic support, regional stability and de-escalation rather than direct military intervention.
Pakistan’s Balancing Role in Regional Security
The latest conversation between Shehbaz Sharif and Mohammed bin Salman highlights Pakistan’s continued political and diplomatic support for Saudi Arabia’s security. At the same time, Islamabad is seeking to prevent the Yemen conflict from expanding further across West Asia and causing a wider disruption to global energy supplies.
The Pakistan-Saudi communication therefore underscores three interconnected issues amid the escalating regional conflict: Pakistan’s diplomatic role, Saudi Arabia’s security, and the stability of global energy supplies.
With inputs from Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office and PTI.
