Pakistan condemns ‘disrespect’ as Afghan officials remain seated during national anthem

A major diplomatic standoff erupted between Pakistan and Afghanistan Tuesday (Sep 17) after a senior Afghan official remained seated in a Peshawar conference when the national anthem of the host nation was played. The Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference was held in Peshawar and the event saw the attendance of Afghan consular officials.

The event, hosted by the KP government, was held in honour of the Holy Prophet on the occasion of Eid-i-Miladun Nabi.

But a major controversy erupted when Afghan official Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir and his colleague didn’t get up from their seats when the Pakistani national anthem was being played.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) was quick to condemn the “reprehensible disrespect” shown towards its national anthem.

A statement issued by FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said: “The disrespect of host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic norms. This act of acting consul general of Afghanistan is reprehensible.”

She added that Pakistan was taking up the matter with higher Afghan authorities in Islamabad and Kabul.

Following the incident, some experts are now calling for Shakir to be declared persona non grata and expelled from the country.

The KP government also came under heavy fire for extending invitation to Afghan officials.

The incident comes at a time when the relationship between Kabul and Islamabad is faring at an all-time low.

Islamabad continues to accuse the Taliban of hosting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been responsible for a surge in terrorist attacks across Pakistan.

Last week, a major clash erupted between Pakistani security forces and Afghan troops near the Kurram district. The showdown resulted in eight casualties on the Afghan side, including two key commanders.

(With inputs from agencies)