Pakistan Army Chief Sparks Controversy Over Remarks on Shi'ite Clerics

Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has sparked a controversy over his remarks that Shi'ite clerics who have so much love for Iran should go to Iran. Munir made the remarks during an iftar party in Rawalpindi. Shi'ite clerics have called the statement insulting and inflammatory. They have also accused the Pakistani army chief of working against Pakistan's interests at the behest of the US and Israel. The Shi'ite clerics have also accused him of destroying the country by toppling governments. Syed Alam Sibtain Haider Sabzwari, central vice-president of the Shia Ulema Council Pakistan, told Munir that if you love your masters, Israel and the US, then leave Pakistan. Significantly, Munir's warning to Shi'ites and the Israeli community came after a protest against the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader in the beginning of the 35-month protest.