ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned an alleged Houthi attack on the Taibah power distribution station in Madina on September 29, calling it a “grave provocation” and a threat to regional peace and security.
In a statement on Friday, the Foreign Office (FO) said the facility was part of the civilian infrastructure supplying electricity to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque.
“The sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of worshippers and pilgrims must be respected under all circumstances,” the FO said, calling for an “immediate and unconditional” end to such actions.
Pakistan also reaffirmed its “unwavering solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and expressed full support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
“Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia in its efforts to safeguard the Two Holy Mosques, protect its people and ensure the safety of pilgrims,” the FO said, adding that Islamabad would continue efforts to promote lasting peace and stability in the region.
Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis
The statement followed an accusation by Saudi Arabia’s Saudi-led coalition that the Houthis carried out the September 29 strike on the electricity distribution station serving the Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque. The Houthis have denied the allegation.
Coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki said a drone struck the Taibah station at 5:11am on September 29. He said an investigation, including examination of the drone wreckage and an after-action review, had led Saudi authorities to conclude that the Houthi militia was responsible.
According to the coalition, one transformer was taken out of service, but the incident did not disrupt the wider electricity network.
The latest incident follows a separate episode earlier in September, when Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it entered the city’s restricted airspace. Saudi authorities described it as the second alleged Houthi attempt to target Makkah since 2017, while the Houthis denied targeting Makkah or any other Islamic holy site.
Rising regional tensions
The latest escalation comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen. Government forces have reported attacks against Houthi positions, while Saudi Arabia has carried out airstrikes in Yemen and continued supporting forces opposed to the Houthis.
The escalation represents the most serious Saudi-Houthi confrontation since a UN-brokered truce largely halted cross-border attacks in 2022. Hostilities have intensified this year following Houthi actions involving Saudi territory and shipping.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed support for Saudi Arabia and maintains defence arrangements with Riyadh.
The two countries signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in September 2025, under which they agreed that an attack on either country would be treated as aggression against both.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye are also parties to the Makkah Defence Alliance, signed on August 7. The agreement provides for collective defence commitments among its members.
The military chiefs of the three countries met in Riyadh last month and expressed their determination to translate the alliance’s commitments into practical military cooperation.
On September 30, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan was “there to help” Saudi Arabia in the event of a conflict.
International condemnation
The alleged attack has also drawn condemnation from several Muslim-majority countries and institutions.
Turkiye condemned what it described as a Houthi attack on civilian infrastructure and expressed support for Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate end to actions it said threatened the kingdom’s security and the sanctity of Islamic holy sites.
Qatar described the incident as a serious assault on the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and a violation of Saudi sovereignty and international law, while reaffirming its solidarity with Riyadh.
The League of Arab States called the incident an “unacceptable transgression” and warned that it could further escalate regional tensions.
Al-Azhar, the Cairo-based Sunni Islamic institution, also denounced the alleged attack, saying that targeting Madina could provoke the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.
By AFP
