Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan lodged a strong protest with Afghan authorities over disrespecting of the national anthem by Acting Consul General of Afghanistan in Peashawar.
In a statement, Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the act of disrespect of host country's national anthem is against diplomatic norms.
She was responding to media queries regarding the disrespect of national anthem by the Acting Consul General of Afghanistan at an event in Peshawar.
“We are conveying our strong protest to the Afghan authorities both in Islamabad and Kabul,” the FO spokesperson said.
Acting Afghan Consul General Mohibullah Shakir and his aid, were attending the National Rehmat-ul-Lil-Aalamin (PBUH) Conference in Peshawar when they remained seated blatantly disregarding diplomatic protocol and shamelessly sitting in their seats when all attendees, including KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, stood for the Pakistan's national anthem.
On the other hand, the Afghan Consulate in Peshawar has defended the actions of its Acting Consul General, Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir.
Ina statement the spokesperson for the consulate said that the decision was due to the presence of music in the anthem.
“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 Afghan consulate spokesperson said.
He said that the 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.
