Pakistan calls Houthi attack on Madinah power station a grave provocation

Pakistan on Friday condemned the attack by the Houthi militia on the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah.

In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said this reprehensible attack against civilian infrastructure supplying electricity to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque is a grave provocation and a matter of deep concern and anguish for millions of Muslims worldwide.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthis said on Thursday the militant group had attacked a power distribution station in Madina this week, putting one transformer out of service but without affecting the electricity network.

The coalition said an investigation and examination of drone wreckage confirmed Houthi involvement in planning and carrying out Tuesday’s attack. It said the station supplies electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites.

A Houthi military source, quoted by the Houthi-run Saba news agency, denied the accusation

Calling for an immediate and unconditional end of such reckless actions that also constitute a grave threat to regional peace and security, the FO spokesperson said, “The sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of worshippers and pilgrims must be respected under all circumstances.”

Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom of 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,” he said.

He said Pakistan has been and will continue to make all efforts for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

Islamabad has vowed to defend Saudi Arabia in any conflict, reaffirming commitment to the kingdom’s security amid renewed tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

“We are there to help Saudi Arabia in any conflict, whether it is coming from the Houthis or a country or any other outfit that threatens Saudi Arabia’s security. We will be there to defend them,” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said in a recent interview with Al Jazeera.

His remarks come as fighting between the Houthis and the Yemeni government has intensified, with Riyadh becoming increasingly involved in the conflict.

The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and targeted ships in the Red Sea, while both sides have claimed attacks against each other.

Pakistan has recently reaffirmed its security commitments to Saudi Arabia under bilateral and multilateral defence arrangements.