Afghan diplomat defends sitting during Pakistan anthem ‘due to music’

The Afghan Consulate in Peshawar has defended the actions of its Acting Consul General, Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir, who remained seated during Pakistan's national anthem at the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference in Peshawar on Tuesday.

The spokesperson for the consulate clarified that the decision was due to the presence of music in the anthem.

In an official statement, the spokesperson said, “There was no intention to disrespect or demean Pakistan’s national anthem. The Consul General did not stand because of the music in the anthem.”

The consulate also noted that Afghan authorities have imposed a ban on the use of music in their own national anthem. "Had the anthem been presented without music or by children, the Consul General would have stood and placed his hand on his chest," the spokesperson added.

Dismissing any claims of disrespect, the consulate firmly stated, “The idea of disrespecting Pakistan or its national anthem is out of the question.”

Relations strain as diplomat’s action sparks backlash

This incident has led to widespread criticism, with many accusing Shakir of breaching diplomatic protocol. The diplomatic fallout comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain tense, particularly since the return of the Taliban in August 2021.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong protest to Afghan authorities, both in Islamabad and Kabul. Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch condemned the act, stating, "Disrespecting the host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic norms. This act by the Acting Consul General of Afghanistan is reprehensible."

Baloch confirmed that Pakistan has formally summoned the Afghan Chargé d'Affaires to lodge a protest.

K-P govt requests patience

Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, spokesperson for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, commented on the issue, stating that Afghan diplomats had been informed of the incident. “We have been in contact with them, and they are expected to issue a statement tomorrow,” he said.

Saif also urged caution, noting that “as diplomats, it would be inappropriate for the provincial government to issue a statement on their behalf.” He stressed that criticism of the diplomats should be avoided, but acknowledged that their actions were unacceptable.

Controversy over legal status

In a further twist, sources have revealed that Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir has been residing illegally in Pakistan. Reports suggest that the Consul General lacks proper documentation, including an Afghan passport.

Sources claim that Shakir and his family returned to Afghanistan in 2015 after receiving aid from the UNHCR under the Proof of Registration (PoR) card scheme, which has now expired.

As of 1st September, all Afghan refugees, including Shakir, are considered to be residing illegally, as the Ministry of Interior has not extended their stay.