ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's religious leaders have strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reported attempts to target Umrah pilgrims, expressing full solidarity with the Kingdom during a press conference organised by the Pak-Saudi Solidarity Council at the National Press Club in Islamabad.

The leaders said that the Haramain Sharifain, the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, hold immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide and that their security is a matter of fundamental importance. They described any attempt to target Umrah pilgrims as unacceptable and strongly condemned such attacks.

The press conference was hosted by Senator Dr Hafiz Abdul Karim, patron of the Pak-Saudi Solidarity Council. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Sahibzada Shah Owais Noorani, Maulana Muhammad Ahmad Ludhianvi, Dr Ali Muhammad Abu Turab, Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil, Maulana Atiq-ur-Rehman Shah and Professor Sajjad Qamar were among the speakers.

Pakistan Stands with Saudi Arabia, Says Hafiz Abdul Karim

Senator Dr Hafiz Abdul Karim said Pakistan stood firmly with Saudi Arabia and would not accept attacks targeting the Kingdom. Supporting the Pakistani government's position, he said the people of Pakistan and the wider Muslim community expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

Government Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that killing or targeting Umrah pilgrims while they were in the state of Ihram was unacceptable. He reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Saudi Arabia and said the country would continue to stand by the Kingdom in matters concerning its defence.

He added that the Pakistani government and public remained united on protecting the Haramain Sharifain.

Religious Leaders Call for Muslim Unity

Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri welcomed the unity between Pakistan's government and people over the issue of Saudi Arabia. He described the Kingdom as a central place of religious devotion for Muslims and urged Muslim countries to stand firmly with it.

Sahibzada Shah Owais Noorani highlighted the religious bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, saying that the sanctity and security of the Holy Kaaba and the Prophet's Mosque were of fundamental importance to the Muslim world.

Aabpara Gathering Announced for October 22

Allama Muhammad Ahmad Ludhianvi said Saudi Arabia had consistently supported Pakistan and that the longstanding relationship between the two countries could not be overlooked. He stated that Pakistanis would be prepared to support the defence of the Haramain Sharifain if required.

He also announced a gathering in Aabpara, Islamabad, on October 22 to condemn the Houthi attacks and express solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

Call for Implementation of Defence Agreement

Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil described attacks on sacred sites as deeply regrettable and called for the full implementation of the defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to help ensure the security of the Haramain Sharifain.

He said relations between the two countries were rooted in historical, religious and state-level ties.

Professor Sajjad Qamar said the Pak-Saudi Solidarity Council represented Pakistan's religious scholars and people. He also condemned attacks targeting Umrah pilgrims and reaffirmed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

At the conclusion of the press conference, the participating leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia's security and sovereignty, as well as the protection of the Haramain Sharifain.