THE Houthi group’s attack on Saudi Arabia is particularly alarming because Makkah and the Holy Mosque are not merely part of Saudi Arabia; they are among the most sacred places for Muslims around the world. Any military threat in their vicinity is not only a danger to human lives but could also disrupt the peaceful environment necessary for worship and religious freedom. The conflicts in the Middle East have already spread across several fronts, and protecting holy cities such as Makkah and Madinah from the repercussions of these conflicts is a collective responsibility of the entire Muslim Ummah.
News of a threat to Makkah is a matter of concern not only for Saudi Arabia but for Muslims across the world. Whatever the political differences and military conflicts may be, the sanctity and security of the Two Holy Mosques must remain beyond the reach of warfare. Protecting them from every kind of military confrontation is a shared responsibility of the Muslim Ummah and the international community. Political and military disputes may exist, but there can be no justification for targeting or endangering sacred places where millions of people gather to worship.
Under these circumstances, Pakistan is facing considerable pressure because of its defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. However, Pakistan’s approach has so far emphasized restraint and diplomacy rather than escalation. Pakistan is using its balanced diplomatic position to try to reduce tensions. It has also called upon Iran to play a role in restraining the Houthis and preventing further attacks.
This is the first major practical test of the defence cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has expressed its commitment to honouring the agreement, but the important question is what form that commitment would take in practice. Would Pakistan limit its role to diplomatic and defensive cooperation, or, if attacks on Saudi territory continue, would the collective defence arrangement be activated at an operational level?
There is another important consideration. Pakistan has deep historical, religious, and economic ties with Saudi Arabia. Millions of Pakistanis work in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. For Pakistan, Saudi Arabia is not merely a friendly country but also an important economic partner. At the same time, Iran is Pakistan’s neighbouring country. Pakistan does not want to damage its relations with Iran, particularly with regard to border trade and regional peace and stability.
Therefore, the current situation presents Islamabad with an extremely difficult diplomatic balancing act. Pakistan cannot ignore Saudi Arabia’s security concerns, but it must also avoid being drawn into a direct confrontation with Iran. In these circumstances, Pakistan’s most constructive role would be to work for peace and de-escalation rather than become a party to a wider regional war.
The security of the Two Holy Mosques should remain a matter of the highest priority for the entire Muslim Ummah and the international community. Regional conflicts may be resolved through political and diplomatic means, but the sanctity of Makkah and Madinah must remain protected from the violence and consequences of war.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Faisalabad.
