Pakistan condemns Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia’s energy facilities
‘Dangerous escalation’
PM speaks to Saudi crown prince
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday expressed concern and also condemnation of Iranian missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia’s energy facilities, terming the attacks as “a dangerous escalation” that undermined regional peace and stability.
In a statement, the Foreign Office (FO) said, “The government of Pakistan expresses its deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the missile and drone attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran last night against energy facilities in the Eastern Region of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The statement said that Pakistan also mourned the loss of life resulting from these attacks and “strongly deplores the damage inflicted on vital infrastructure”.
The statement also conveyed Pakistan’s condolences to the families of the victims, adding that the country firmly stood in solidarity with the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during this difficult time.
“The government of Pakistan considers these attacks a serious violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a dangerous escalation that undermines regional peace and stability,” the FO said.
“Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security,” the statement concluded.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on X that he spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and “conveyed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.
“Condemned today’s attack on the Al Jubeil oil facility. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Saudi brothers and sisters,” he said.
“Appreciated the kingdom’s restraint under the wise and sagacious leadership of his royal highness the crown prince and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing peace efforts for de-escalation in the region,” he said.
A separate statement by the Prime Minister’s Office said, “During their warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders discussed the ongoing hostilities in the region.”
“The prime minister lauded the wisdom and sagacity of the Saudi leadership in exercising maximum restraint during the ongoing crisis, and stated that Pakistan was working assiduously for the success of the peace efforts, in partnership with other countries. He also apprised the crown prince on latest developments in Pakistan’s mediation efforts to de-escalate the Middle East crisis,” the PMO handout said.
“The crown prince appreciated Pakistan’s peace efforts, aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region,” it added.
The kingdom has come under attack from hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones since the US and Israel launched the war on Iran on February 28, most of which were intercepted, authorities have said.
Early on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said that it had intercepted ballistic missiles towards its eastern region, with debris falling near energy facilities. However, it had not specified who launched the projectiles. Staff Report
