By :Dr. Abdul Ghani
E-mail: ghanillm@yahoo.com
Published By:ANI News Agency
When missiles and drones threaten the skies of Saudi Arabia, they do not merely endanger military installations or economic infrastructure. They cast a shadow over a land that occupies a sacred place in the heart of every Muslim. Saudi Arabia is home to Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest cities of Islam. For Pakistan, therefore, the security of the Kingdom is not simply a matter of foreign policy. It is connected with faith, history, brotherhood and shared strategic interests.
The recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia have once again demonstrated how rapidly instability in Yemen can endanger the wider region. Pakistan has officially condemned the attacks and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Kingdom. Such solidarity is neither symbolic nor temporary. It reflects a relationship built over decades and strengthened through mutual trust, defence cooperation and unwavering support during difficult times.
The Pakistan Army has always been recognised for its professionalism, discipline, courage and operational experience. Its sacrifices in the fight against terrorism are written in the blood of thousands of soldiers and officers who defended their homeland against one of the most dangerous waves of militancy in modern history. This experience has made Pakistan’s armed forces highly capable in counterterrorism, intelligence coordination, missile and drone threat assessment, border security and the protection of sensitive installations.
If Saudi Arabia faces aggression, Pakistan cannot remain emotionally or strategically indifferent. Any serious threat to the Kingdom, particularly to its sacred places, naturally causes concern throughout Pakistan. The bond between the two countries cannot be measured only through official agreements. It lives in the hearts of ordinary Pakistanis who consider the safety of the Haramain al-Sharifain a sacred responsibility.
The message to the Houthi rebels must therefore be clear: political grievances cannot justify attacks on civilian areas, airports, energy facilities or commercial routes. Missiles and drones cannot bring justice to Yemen, nor can they secure a durable political settlement. They only deepen civilian suffering, expand regional instability and create the possibility of a confrontation whose consequences may extend far beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia should not, however, be misunderstood as a call for an unlimited war. True military strength is not demonstrated by seeking conflict; it is demonstrated by preventing aggression. The Pakistan Army’s professional support can strengthen Saudi defensive capabilities, improve preparedness and create effective deterrence. A credible defence often prevents the very war that weakness invites.
Critics may argue that Pakistan should remain completely detached from Middle Eastern disputes. Neutrality, however, does not mean silence in the face of aggression, particularly when a close ally is threatened. Pakistan can support Saudi Arabia’s legitimate defence while simultaneously encouraging dialogue, restraint and a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Yemen. Defending an ally and advocating peace are not contradictory objectives. On the contrary, responsible deterrence can provide the stability required for meaningful diplomacy.
Pakistan must also ensure that every aspect of its cooperation remains consistent with the Constitution, parliamentary oversight, international law and the national interest. Its role should remain defensive, carefully defined and free from sectarian considerations. Pakistan enjoys important relations with several countries in the region and should continue using its diplomatic influence to reduce tensions rather than enlarge divisions.
Saudi Arabia’s security also has direct economic significance for Pakistan. Millions of Pakistanis have worked in the Kingdom and contributed to both economies. Saudi stability affects energy markets, maritime commerce, remittances and the livelihoods of countless Pakistani families. An attack on Saudi infrastructure can therefore produce consequences extending from Riyadh and Jeddah to homes and markets across Pakistan.
At this critical moment, the courage of the Pakistan Army must be matched by the wisdom of Pakistan’s political leadership. The objective must not be revenge, expansion or confrontation. It must be the defence of Saudi sovereignty, the protection of sacred places and civilians, and the preservation of regional peace.
The Houthi leadership must understand that Saudi Arabia does not stand alone. Pakistan’s friendship is not confined to ceremonial statements or diplomatic courtesies. It is a historic commitment shaped by faith, tested by time and supported by genuine public sentiment.
The Pakistan Army remains a force for defence, deterrence and stability. Its resolve sends an unmistakable message: Pakistan desires peace, but it will not remain indifferent when a brotherly nation and the sacred heartland of Islam are threatened. The path of wisdom remains open, but aggression must never be mistaken for strength, nor should Pakistan’s commitment to peace be misunderstood as weakness.
