Pakistan on Tuesday strongly protested against an act of Afghan diplomats. In fact, Afghan diplomats refused to stand during the playing of Pakistan’s national anthem. Pakistan’s national anthem kept playing and they remained seated throughout. During this time a diplomat was using his mobile phone. This incident happened during an official program organized in Peshawar, in which the program was organized on the occasion of 12th Rabi ul Awwal, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Afghanistan Taliban-appointed Counsel General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir and his deputy were also present in this program.
His decision to remain seated during the Pakistani national anthem not only sparked outrage among the Pakistani public but also drew a strong reaction from the government. Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch issued a statement strongly condemning the act.
He said, “Insulting the national anthem of the host country is against diplomatic etiquette. This act of the Acting Consul General of Afghanistan is reprehensible. We are registering our strong objection to this to the Afghan authorities in Islamabad and Kabul.” The event was organized by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Afghan diplomats were also invited to the ceremony, but their behavior has been seen as a violation of diplomatic protocol during the Pakistani national anthem.
Reacting to the controversy, a spokesperson for the Afghan Consulate in Peshawar clarified that the diplomats had no intention of disrespecting Pakistan. “The Afghan Consul General did not stand up because the national anthem had music. We have banned our national anthem because of its music. The Afghan diplomats would have definitely stood up in respect of the Pakistani national anthem if it was played without music,” the spokesperson said.