Pakistan PM draws ‘red line’ over Mecca at UN, defends Saudi-Türkiye defence pact

NEW DELHI: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday used the 81st United Nations General Assembly to condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and warn against any threat to the safety and sanctity of Mecca.He also defended Pakistan’s new defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, while highlighting Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table."We once again condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the recent deplorable attacks by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Sharif said in his address."The attempted drone attack on the holy city of Mecca al-Mukarramah has outraged Muslims across the globe. Any threat to safety and sanctity... is a red line that must never be crossed. No Muslim can even dare to think of committing such a heinous (act)."Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca with a drone, an allegation the Houthis denied.