What Happened: Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir caused outrage in Peshawar by remaining seated during Pakistan’s national anthem, citing religious reasons, sparking diplomatic tensions.
What you need to know: During the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference in Peshawar, Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir caused outrage by remaining seated during Pakistan’s national anthem, seen as a breach of diplomatic protocol. The event, hosted by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, led to calls for Shakir’s expulsion due to his perceived disrespect for Pakistan. Experts criticized both Shakir and the K-P government for the incident, urging Pakistan’s foreign ministry to take action.
What more: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, already strained due to issues like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), worsened with this act. Diplomatic fallout is expected, and Pakistan has lodged a formal protest with Afghan authorities. Shakir’s actions were later defended by the Afghan consulate, explaining that the refusal to stand was due to the presence of music in the anthem, which contradicts Afghanistan’s ban on music in official contexts.
Also: The K-P government asked for patience until the Afghan diplomats issue an official response, while Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the act as a violation of diplomatic norms. Further controversy arose with reports suggesting that Shakir is residing illegally in Pakistan.