The Afghan Consulate in Peshawar has defended Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir, its Acting Consul General, after he remained seated during Pakistan’s national anthem at the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference. This incident happened on Tuesday and has sparked significant criticism.
A spokesperson for the consulate explained that Shakir did not stand due to the presence of music in the anthem. They stated, “There was no intention to disrespect or demean Pakistan’s national anthem. The Consul General did not stand because of the music.” The consulate added that Afghan authorities have banned music in their own national anthem. If the anthem had been played without music or performed by children, Shakir would have stood and placed his hand on his chest, they noted.
Despite the backlash, the consulate stressed, “The idea of disrespecting Pakistan or its national anthem is out of the question.”
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been high since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, making this incident even more controversial.
In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a formal protest with Afghan authorities in both Islamabad and Kabul. Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch condemned Shakir’s actions, stating, “Disrespecting the host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic norms. This act by the Acting Consul General of Afghanistan is reprehensible.”
Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, spokesperson for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, mentioned that Afghan diplomats have been informed about the incident. He said, “We have been in contact with them, and they are expected to issue a statement tomorrow.” Saif urged patience, explaining that it would not be appropriate for the provincial government to comment further. He acknowledged that the diplomats’ actions were unacceptable.
Additionally, there are concerns about Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir’s legal status in Pakistan. Sources indicate that he is living in the country illegally and does not have proper documentation, including an Afghan passport. Reports suggest that Shakir and his family returned to Afghanistan in 2015 after receiving assistance from the UNHCR under the Proof of Registration (PoR) card scheme, which has since expired. As of September 1, all Afghan refugees, including Shakir, are considered to be residing illegally since the Ministry of Interior has not extended their stay.
