Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirms Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia during a meeting with newly appointed Saudi Ambassador Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy in Islamabad, condemning recent Houthi attacks and pledging stronger bilateral cooperation.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — October 16, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, stressing that Islamabad will continue to stand alongside Riyadh amid escalating Houthi attacks against the kingdom.

The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy in Islamabad on Friday, according to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Sharif welcomed the ambassador and congratulated him on assuming his new diplomatic responsibilities. He also expressed confidence that the two countries would continue strengthening their longstanding strategic partnership and brotherly relations.

Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia

During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif said relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had made significant progress in recent years. He reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening existing institutional mechanisms to expand bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

The prime minister strongly condemned the recent escalation in Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, which, according to the official statement, had resulted in loss of life and injuries to numerous people, including Pakistani nationals.

He emphasised that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had consistently supported each other and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to safeguarding the kingdom’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

Defence Agreements Highlight Strategic Cooperation

Sharif described the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance as significant milestones in the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

According to the prime minister, these arrangements reflect a shared commitment to regional peace and security while providing a framework for closer strategic and defence cooperation.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have also been working to strengthen coordination under the Makkah defence arrangement amid growing regional security concerns.

The latest statement reinforces Pakistan’s publicly declared support for Saudi Arabia. However, the specific operational implications of the defence arrangements should be distinguished from the prime minister’s diplomatic assurances.

Saudi Arabia’s Economic Support to Pakistan Acknowledged

During the meeting, the prime minister thanked the Saudi leadership for its longstanding economic and financial assistance to Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia has remained an important partner for Islamabad, with cooperation extending across diplomatic, economic and security matters.

Sharif assured Ambassador Albugamy of Pakistan’s full support and cooperation in further strengthening bilateral relations. He also wished the envoy success in carrying out his diplomatic responsibilities.

Regional Security Remains a Key Concern

The meeting took place amid heightened regional tensions and reports of escalating Houthi attacks against Saudi targets.

Pakistan has repeatedly expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and condemned attacks threatening civilian lives and critical infrastructure. The government has also highlighted the importance of regional peace and security.

The latest meeting underscores Islamabad’s intention to maintain close relations with Riyadh while expanding cooperation through existing diplomatic and institutional channels.

For now, the prime minister’s statement centres on Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity, the condemnation of Houthi attacks and the further development of bilateral ties.