Islamabad, September 19,2024- Pakistan has rejected the Afghan Consul General’s explanation regarding the incident of not standing during the national anthem.
A statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson said that the explanation provided by Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir, for not standing during Pakistan’s national anthem, has been rejected. Disrespecting the national anthem of the host country is a violation of diplomatic protocol. We have recorded our strong protest.
The spokesperson further stated that the Afghan Consul General enjoys diplomatic status in Pakistan and holds a valid Pakistani visa.
This may be mentioned here that during the Rehmat-ul-Alameen conference held in Peshawar on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal, the Afghan Consul General and his colleagues did not stand in respect with the other participants when Pakistan’s national anthem was played.
Following Pakistan’s strong protest, the Afghan Consulate issued a clarification, stating that there was no intent to disrespect or insult the Pakistani national anthem. They added that the Consul General did not stand because there was music in the anthem.
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, had supported the Afghan Consul General’s decision not to stand during the national anthem.
