Iranian women gather during a demonstration against the execution of prominent Shiite Muslim cleric Nimr al-Nimr (portrait) by Saudi authorities, at Imam Hossein Square in the capital Tehran on January 4, 2016. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Monday voiced deep concerns over the escalation of tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, warning that ‘dark forces’ of extremism and terrorism could take advantage of any disunity in the Muslim Ummah.
“Pakistan is concerned at the recent escalation of tensions between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Foreign Office said in a statement, hours after Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries severed diplomatic ties with Iran.
The tension has been escalating between the two countries ever since Saudi Arabia executed a prominent Shia cleric on terrorism charges.
Angry protesters in Tehran stormed the Saudi Embassy and equated the Saudi action with ISIS in the Middle East.
The Foreign Office termed the attack on the Saudi Embassy ‘most unfortunate and deeply regrettable’. “It is the responsibility of states to provide full safety and security to all diplomatic missions and their personnel,” it added.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 5th, 2016.
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