Pakistan rejects Kabul envoy's clarification for disrespecting national anthem

Pakistan on Thursday rejected the clarification provided by the Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir for not standing up in honor of national anthem.

In a news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch dismissed the explanation given by Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir concerning the failure to stand for Pakistan’s national anthem.

“Disrespecting the national anthem of the host country is a violation of diplomatic etiquette, and Pakistan has formally registered its protest,” the spokesperson said, adding that the Afghan consul general enjoys diplomatic status in Pakistan and holds a valid visa.

During the Rahmat-ul-Alamin conference held in Peshawar on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, the Afghan diplomat and his colleagues did not stand in respect when the national anthem of Pakistan was played, unlike other attendees.

Following Pakistan’s strong protest, the Afghan consulate spokesperson issued a statement claiming that there was no intention to disrespect the anthem; the Consul General did not stand because music was playing during the anthem.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur supported the Afghan Consul General’s decision not to stand for the anthem.