Action and reaction: Shia cleric’s execution leaves leaders divided

Religious groups issue strike calls; politicians urge people to remain calm

PESHAWAR: As protests erupted in various parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kurram Agency and Khyber Agency over the execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi Arabia, leaders remain divided over whether they should interfere in the matter.

Following the execution, a large number of sectarian groups have also issued strike calls while leaders from political parties have urged people to remain calm.

Nimr’s execution has been condemned by various Shia organisations.

“We strongly condemn Nimr’s execution,” Allama Abid Hussain, a Shia leader, told The Express Tribune over the telephone. “He was demanding his rights.”

On the other hand, Ahle-Sunnat Wal Jamaat leader Maulana Atta Muhammad Deshani said the execution is Saudi Arabia’s internal matter.

“Unfortunately, a specific group has, on Iran’s advice, taken to the streets to widen the sectarian gap in the country,” Deshani told The Express Tribune over the telephone. “Burning Saudi Arabia's embassy is against democratic values and international law.”

Pakistan Rah-e-Haq Party, formed by a former leader of banned Sipah-e-Sahaba, held a protest outside Peshawar Press Club in response to demonstrations held against Saudi Arabia’s decision to execute Nimr. “Saudi Arabia is a sacred place,” said Irshad Haideri, the provincial spokesperson of the party. “We won’t tolerate aggression against Saudi Arabia.”

On the fence

Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali Khan has said Pakistan should not interfere in conflicts between Iran and Saudi Arabia. This was stated in a statement issued by the party on Tuesday.

“Pakistan is still suffering due to interference in Afghanistan,” he said. He emphasised the need to resolve the matter through mutual consultation with Iran. The ANP chief has suggested Pakistan should not participate in Iran-Saudi Arabia conflict.

Sectarian hub

Pakistan always remains susceptible to sectarianism in the event of deteriorating relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Parachinar has witnessed sectarian violence in 1982, 1996 and 2007. Any friction between Iran and Saudi Arabia directly impacts Sunnis and Shias in Kurram Agency.

Dr Ashraf, who works at FATA Research Centre, an Islamabad based NGO working on militancy, said around 80 people have been killed while 55 others have been injured in sectarian violence in Kurram Agency.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2016.