DOMINANT ANGLE
Islamabad unequivocally condemns the attack on Medina: Pakistan is first and foremost concerned about the attack on the Prophet's Mosque, a "grave provocation" for millions of Muslims, and expresses its solidarity with Riyadh.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
The coalition claims that the attack on Tuesday, September 29, took out a transformer at the Taibah station, without affecting the power grid.
- 02
The foreign ministry called the attack, on Friday, October 2, a "grave provocation" and reaffirmed support for Saudi sovereignty.
- 03
The Houthis called the accusation a "lie" and reported Saudi strikes on Sanaa after the coalition's announcement.
ANALYSIS
Islamabad, October 2, 2026. Pakistan's press initially relayed the version of the Riyadh-led coalition: on Thursday, October 1, the coalition claimed that the Houthis had attacked the Taibah power distribution station in Medina, which supplies the Prophet's Mosque, on Tuesday, September 29. According to Reuters, as reported by ARY News, examination of drone debris confirmed Houthi involvement; a transformer was put out of service, with no effect on the network.
Geo News adds that, a few hours after the accusation, the Houthis reported Saudi strikes on Sanaa and other areas of Yemen, without immediate Saudi confirmation. A Houthi military source, quoted by the Saba agency, spoke of a "lie" intended to mask Riyadh's inability to substantiate its previous accusation against Mecca.
The context is presented as the most serious confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis since the UN-sponsored ceasefire in 2022. Hostilities resumed this year after the Houthis declared a naval blockade in July, with attacks on Saudi territory and navigation, and gains on Yemen's Red Sea coast. Riyadh responded with airstrikes and supports government forces. The coalition recalls the interception of a Houthi drone south of Mecca two weeks ago, which the Houthis deny targeting.
On Friday, October 2, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack as a "grave provocation", a source of "deep concern and anxiety for millions of Muslims worldwide". Islamabad demands the immediate and unconditional cessation of these "reckless" actions, which threaten regional peace, and reaffirms its support for the kingdom's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its desire to protect the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims.
Daily Times refers to an article citing a defense official, according to whom the enemies of Saudi Arabia are also those of Pakistan, and another on the interception of Houthi missiles and drones. The newspaper notes that the renewed conflict increases the risks for civilian infrastructure.
SOURCES (3)
- ARY NewsMEDIUM
- Daily TimesMEDIUM
