Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared threats by Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia's holy sites a "red line," emphasizing the sanctity of these locations.

Sharif, who is a signatory to the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, made these strong remarks during his address at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) 81. The statement underscores Pakistan's position on the security of religiously significant sites in Saudi Arabia.

The Prime Minister's condemnation comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows reports of Pakistan and Turkiye sending their military chiefs to Riyadh for an urgent meeting. The specifics of the meeting's agenda were not immediately detailed, but it is understood to be related to regional security concerns.

Houthi rebels, who control significant parts of Yemen, have previously engaged in cross-border attacks into Saudi Arabia. While the group has not directly threatened the holy sites of Mecca and Medina in recent public statements, Sharif's declaration signals Pakistan's zero-tolerance policy towards any potential escalation that could endanger them.

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by several Muslim nations, commits signatories to mutual defense, particularly concerning the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia. Sharif's invocation of this agreement highlights the collective security implications of any threats to the Kingdom.

International bodies and regional powers have consistently called for de-escalation in Yemen and adherence to international law. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and facing hunger and water shortages.

Sharif's strong stance at the UNGA is expected to be noted by regional actors and international diplomats. It reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to regional stability and the protection of Islamic heritage sites, which hold immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide.

The situation remains fluid, with the urgent consultations between Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia likely to address broader security cooperation and strategies to mitigate regional threats.