Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday and reiterated Islamabad’s “strong condemnation” of recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s civilian and economic infrastructure, in an apparent effort to reaffirm support for Riyadh amid questions over Pakistan’s military posture towards the Iran-backed group.

During the telephone conversation, Sharif expressed Pakistan’s “complete solidarity” with Saudi Arabia, saying the Houthi attacks posed a threat to regional peace and security and risked further disruption to the global economy and energy supplies.

Pakistan Reaffirms Support For Saudi Leadership

Sharif told Mohammed bin Salman that he, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar would continue efforts to reduce tensions and help bring peace to the region.

The Pakistan prime minister also praised the Saudi Crown Prince for what he described as his “wise and sagacious leadership” during the crisis.

According to Sharif’s office, Mohammed bin Salman appreciated Pakistan’s “steadfast support” for Saudi Arabia and its efforts to promote regional peace and stability.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and said they looked forward to meeting soon.

Sharif also conveyed his regards to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Questions Over Pakistan’s Security Commitments

The conversation comes amid questions over Pakistan’s much-publicised security commitments to Saudi Arabia, including the Mecca defence pact.

Islamabad’s apparent reluctance to escalate militarily against the Houthis had raised concerns in Riyadh over the reliability of its defence partners.

Sharif’s call came as fighting in Yemen intensified between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces.

The Houthis recently captured the strategically important Red Sea port of Mokha and an island near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, renewing concerns over security along one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

Fighting Intensifies Across Yemen

Saudi-backed government forces launched attacks on Houthi positions in Mokha, Dhubab and other parts of Yemen’s Taiz province on Sunday.

The Houthis, meanwhile, fired towards neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

The latest escalation is the most serious since a UN-brokered truce halted major fighting in 2022.

More than 82,000 people have reportedly been displaced since the beginning of September, adding to Yemen’s already severe humanitarian crisis.

The renewed conflict has also raised concerns about potential disruption along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint.

The risks come at a time when commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure amid the US-Iran conflict.

Saudi Arabia Seeks Support Amid US Hesitation

Saudi Arabia’s security concerns have grown as the conflict in Yemen has intensified and the Houthis have expanded their control over strategically significant areas.

Riyadh has also sought support from the United States.

However, US President Donald Trump has declined direct US military intervention against the Houthis, adding to uncertainty over the support available to Saudi Arabia as it assesses the reliability of its security partners.

Sharif Expected To Meet Trump This Month

Sharif’s outreach to Riyadh comes days before his expected meeting with Trump.

According to a media report cited by PTI, the Pakistan prime minister is scheduled to meet the US president on September 23 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York.

Sharif has also reportedly been invited to a reception dinner hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for heads of state and government later that evening.

The expected meeting could provide Islamabad with an opportunity to manage its relations with both Washington and Riyadh as the escalation in Yemen places renewed focus on Pakistan’s commitments to its traditional Gulf partner.

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