The Afghan Consulate in Peshawar has released a statement following allegations of diplomatic protocol breach by Afghan Consul General Mohibullah Shakir.
The controversy arose after he remained seated during the playing of Pakistan’s national anthem at a public event.
Moreover, Shahidullah, the spokesperson for the Afghan Consulate, clarified that there was no intention to disrespect Pakistan’s national anthem as per GEO News. “The decision not to stand was not meant to demean the anthem,” he stated, explaining that the music component of the anthem prompted the Consul General to remain seated.
In addition, he further noted that Afghanistan has also imposed restrictions on playing music with their own national anthem.
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Shahidullah added, “Had the anthem been performed without music or by children, the Consul General would have certainly stood and placed his hand over his heart.”
The incident took place at the Rahmat-ul-Alameen ﷺ Conference, where all attendees rose for the Pakistani anthem, but Consul General Shakir and his accompanying team stayed seated, sparking criticism.
