Imran Khan attempts to play down Afghan diplomats' disrespect of Pakistani national anthem

Imran Khan believes the Afghan diplomats issue is a trivial matter that the government should not be preoccupied with.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan criticised the attention on the Afghan diplomat issue, calling it trivial compared to the country's pressing concerns.

Speaking informally to journalists at Adiala Jail, Imran Khan argued that the nation's future is at stake, while the government is preoccupied with minor matters.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder emphasised that the situation in the country requires urgent attention, adding, “We are facing major issues, yet you’re focused on this.”

He also addressed the current political landscape, particularly the debate over constitutional courts.

When asked about his past support for the Charter of Democracy, which included the establishment of such courts, he said the context has changed.

“At that time, it was about saving Justice Qazi Faez Isa. What’s happening now is against the Constitution,” he added.

He also warned that the upcoming Lahore rally will be a "do or die" moment for his party, instructing his supporters to prepare for a decisive movement.

“No matter what they do, we’ve told the entire party to get ready. It’s time to come out,” he added.

Previously, Afghan Consul General in Peshawar, Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir, caused outrage at the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference by remaining seated during Pakistan's national anthem, flouting diplomatic protocols and showing what experts have called "utter disregard" for the host nation.

The conference, hosted by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, saw Afghan consular officials in attendance.

However, as the national anthem played, Shakir and his colleagues remained in their seats, a move widely condemned as a breach of diplomatic decorum.

"By not respecting the national anthem, the Afghan Consul General has shown blatant disrespect to Pakistan and its people. This is an extraordinary incident and contrary to the very essence of diplomatic conduct," said a political analyst, adding that such behaviour would be deemed unacceptable in any civilized society.

Meanwhile Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch condemned the Acting Consul General of Afghanistan for disrespecting the host country's national anthem, describing it as a violation of diplomatic norms.

In response to media queries about the Afghan envoy's disrespect towards the national anthem at a Peshawar event, Ms Baloch, stated that a strong protest is being conveyed to Afghan authorities in both Islamabad and Kabul.

Later, the Afghan Consulate in Peshawar 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.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan has officially rejected Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir's explanation for not standing during the Pakistani national anthem at an event in Peshawar, terming the action a violation of diplomatic norms.

In a statement, the Foreign Office spokesman emphasised that disrespecting the host country's national anthem goes against diplomatic protocol.

"We have lodged a strong protest over this," the spokesman said, adding that the Afghan consul general enjoys diplomatic status in Pakistan and holds a valid visa.