Pak expresses concerns over Saudi-Iran tension

Pakistan which has close ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran today voiced concern over the deteriorating relations between the two countries after the execution of a top Shiite scholar, cautioning that terrorists can use the diplomatic crisis to their advantage.
"The Muslim world faces grave dangers in the situation that has risen in wake of the Saudi-Iran conflict," said Sartaj Aziz, adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs, while giving a policy statement in the National Assembly.
Aziz also expressed concern that terrorists can use the diplomatic crisis in Middle East to their advantage, the Dawn reported.

Aziz maintained that Pakistan will continue to play its role in easing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia and it advocates unity among the Muslim countries.
Aziz said the National Assembly would be given an in- camera briefing on the Saudi-Iran tensions.
"National interest will be given priority in the context of the diplomatic row in Middle East," he said.

Earlier, Foreign Office yesterday regretted the attack at the Saudi embassy in Iran.
Saudi Arabia's execution of Shiite scholar Nimr al-Nimr sparked widespread protests in Shiite-majority countries in the Middle East, with a mob attacking the Saudi diplomatic mission in Tehran, following which Riyadh, Bahrain and Sudan severed diplomatic relations with Tehran, the main Shiite power.

Pakistan has been in the tight situation due to its close ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The two countries exercise influence in Pakistan through their links with Sunni and Shiite groups.
Already protests have been held in Pakistan in support of Iran and Saudi Arabia by different clerics.