Islamabad, Jan 5 (IANS): Pakistan showed concerns over the escalation of tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran and criticised the attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran.

The statement came on Monday after Saudi Arabia cut off diplomatic relations with Iran after angry protesters stormed its embassy in Tehran to protest at the execution of prominent Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr, Xinhua reported.

"We call for resolution of differences through peaceful means in the larger interest of Muslim unity in these challenging times," the Pakistan foreign ministry said.

A foreign ministry statement described the attack on the Saudi embassy against international norms, most unfortunate and deeply regrettable.

"It is the responsibility of states to provide full safety and security to all diplomatic Missions and their personnel."

The ministry said the dark forces of extremism and terrorism can take advantage of any disunity in the Muslim nations.

The Pakistani parliament also debated the issue and Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal told the house that Pakistan was fully alive to the happenings in the Middle East.

He assured the members that the country will play a positive role in defusing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Responding to a point raised by the opposition leader Syed Khurshid Shah, Iqbal said it has been the policy of the government to promote unity and solidarity amongst the Islamic countries.