Riyadh:Pakistan has "strongly" condemned the Yemeni Houthi group's attack on the main airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which resulted in at least 12 deaths and injured more than 300 individuals.
According to Anadolu Agency, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the attack on Sunday, emphasizing that targeting civilians and critical infrastructure is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability. He described the violence as a flagrant violation of international law and called for its immediate cessation.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and people. He reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security, in line with the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement and the strong ties between the two nations.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a Kashmiri leader, labeled the attack as a "dangerous escalation" that exacerbates civilian suffering and could further destabilize the region. He called for restraint and urged all parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a fair resolution and prevent further loss of life.
The attack on the Riyadh airport occurred on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of four Saudis, two Bangladeshi nationals, and one citizen each from the US, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan, as reported by the Saudi civil aviation authority. The injured are receiving medical treatment, with some in critical condition.
Following the attack, airport operations were temporarily suspended to assess damage and ensure safety, causing flight disruptions. Passengers were advised to confirm flight details with airlines, and Kuwait Airways canceled its Saturday flight services to Riyadh, citing the airport's closure. Tensions have escalated following recent Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi facilities.