Pakistan’s PM Warns Any Aggression Against Makkah or Madinah Crosses 'Red Line'

Addressing the UN General Assembly on Friday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that any aggression targeting the holy cities of Makkah or Madinah would constitute an absolute “red line”. This statement follows an incident last week where Saudi Arabia’s air defences successfully intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it could breach the city's prohibited airspace.

Mr Sharif emphasized that any potential “threat to the safety and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain”, encompassing the two most revered mosques in Islam, “is a red line that must never be crossed”. He further remarked that “no Muslim can even dare to think of committing such a heinous crime”.

Highlighting recent diplomatic and military ties, Pakistan previously signed a joint defence pact last month alongside Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Although awaiting full ratification, this agreement binds the collective security of Islamabad, Riyadh, and Ankara. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has officially designated Makkah as entirely off-limits to any form of aggression.

Furthermore, Saudi state media disclosed on Thursday that urgent consultations are underway to organize a meeting among the chiefs of staff representing Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. The upcoming discussions aim to "explore ways to support Saudi Arabia” pursuant to the Makkah Defence Agreement, which mandates that an assault against any single participant is treated as an attack on all allied nations.

Meanwhile, the Houthis have stepped up their military campaigns directed at Saudi Arabia amid a broader regional escalation involving Iran-aligned armed groups across the Middle East.