Pakistan Dismisses Afghan Consul’s Justification for Ignoring National Anthem
Pakistan has officially rejected the explanation provided by Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir for not standing during the Pakistani national anthem at a Peshawar event, deeming the act a violation of diplomatic norms.
A spokesperson from the Foreign Office stressed that disrespecting the host country’s national anthem contradicts diplomatic protocol. “We have lodged a strong protest over this,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the Afghan consul general holds diplomatic status and has a valid visa in Pakistan.
The incident took place during the Rahmatul-lil-Alameen conference on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal in Peshawar. Unlike other attendees, Shakir and his delegation remained seated when the Pakistani national anthem was played.
In response, the Afghan Consulate issued a clarification stating that the consul general did not intend any disrespect, explaining that his decision not to stand was due to the music included in the anthem. However, Pakistan has rejected this explanation.
Following the incident, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally protested to Afghan authorities in both Islamabad and Kabul. Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch characterized the incident as a breach of diplomatic norms, declaring, “Disrespecting the host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic protocol and is unacceptable.”
Amid the diplomatic tension, reports have surfaced suggesting that Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir is living in Pakistan without proper documentation. Sources indicate that he lacks an Afghan passport and returned to Afghanistan in 2015 under a UNHCR aid scheme, with his refugee status now expired. As of September 1, all Afghan refugees, including Shakir, are considered to be residing illegally in Pakistan due to the Ministry of Interior’s decision not to extend their stay.
Earlier this week, Shakir sparked controversy during the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference by remaining seated while the national anthem was played, an act seen as a violation of diplomatic etiquette and a blatant disregard for the host nation.
Political analysts condemned Shakir’s actions, stating that by not honoring the national anthem, he showed blatant disrespect toward Pakistan and its people, which is unacceptable in any civilized society.
In contrast, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur defended Shakir, stating that the Afghan Consulate clarified the consul general’s actions were due to the anthem containing music. He noted that the Afghan government has also removed music from its own national anthem, emphasizing cultural differences and asserting that there was no intent to disrespect.
