Houthi attack on Mecca, Medina would cross ‘red line’, Pakistan PM tells UN
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared that any Houthi attack on the holy cities of Mecca and Medina is a 'red line' for his country. This statement follows the signing of a trilateral defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye aimed at enhancing regional security.
Why it matters
The declaration highlights the deepening military and strategic ties between these nations and the potential for regional escalation in the conflict involving the Houthis.
Shehbaz Sharif speaks as Islamabad, Riyadh and Ankara army chiefs meet to discuss Mecca pact, closer military ties.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks during the United Nations General Assembly on Friday [Ryan Murphy/Getty Images/AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 25 Sep 2026 25 Sep 2026 Pakistan’s prime minister has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, warning that any “threat to the sanctity” of the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina is a “red line that must never be crossed”.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Shehbaz Sharif denounced recent Houthi attacks as “deplorable”.
He added that an attack by the Iran-aligned Yemeni group, which Riyadh says targeted Mecca, “outraged Muslims across the globe”. The Houthis have dismissed the accusations as a “heinous lie” .
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
"Intercepted 2 Drones": Saudi Says Houthis Attacked Riyadh Again
UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
Houthis say they attacked Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu
UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in