ISLAMABAD: Pakistan formally protested to Afghan authorities on Tuesday regarding the “disrespectful action” of Afghanistan’s acting consul general in Peshawar towards the national anthem.
“The disrespect shown to the host country’s national anthem violates diplomatic norms,” said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch in a statement.
The incident occurred during the National Rehmat-ul-Lil-Aalamin (PBUH) Conference in Peshawar, where attendees, including KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, stood for the national anthem. However, the Afghan acting consul general, Muhib Ullah Shakil, and his aide remained seated, prompting a strong response from Islamabad.
In response, Afghan Consulate spokesperson Shahid Ullah clarified that the consul general’s actions were not meant to “disrespect” or “disgrace” the Pakistani national anthem.
“The consul general did not stand due to the music accompanying the anthem. We have even banned our own national anthem for the same reason.
He added that the diplomat would have stood and placed a hand on his chest if the anthem had been performed by children or without music.
“This act by the Acting Consul General of Afghanistan is unacceptable. We are conveying our strong protest to the Afghan authorities in both Islamabad and Kabul,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in response to media inquiries.
Sources indicate that the Foreign Office has also summoned the Afghan Charge d’Affaires to formally register a protest over the consul general’s behavior.
Relations between the two South Asian nations have been strained since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, with tensions further escalating due to border clashes and the Kabul administration’s failure to address terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory that threaten peace in Pakistan.
