By During the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference in Peshawar on Tuesday, Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir sparked outrage by remaining seated during Pakistan’s national anthem. This act was widely condemned as a violation of diplomatic etiquette and an “utter disregard” for the host country.
The conference, hosted by Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, included attendance from Afghan consular officials. As the national anthem played, Shakir and a colleague chose to stay seated, a move that has been heavily criticized for breaching diplomatic norms.
Political analysts have denounced Shakir’s actions, describing them as a blatant disrespect towards Pakistan and its people. They have called for Shakir to be declared persona non grata and expelled from the country, criticizing the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government for inviting someone who showed such disregard for Pakistan’s dignity and international protocol. Experts have urged the foreign ministry to take immediate action and issue a formal démarche against the violation of diplomatic norms.
This incident occurred against a backdrop of strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, exacerbated by the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Despite hopes for improved ties, tensions have increased, particularly after Pakistan accused Afghanistan of harboring the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been linked to a rise in terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban’s reluctance to address the TTP threat has further strained relations, leading to more attacks and heightened diplomatic friction.
The actions of Consul General Shakir could exacerbate these already tense relations. There are growing calls for a formal response from Pakistan’s foreign ministry, emphasizing that such diplomatic disrespect should not go unaddressed.
In response to the incident, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif acknowledged the issue, stating that the Afghan diplomats’ actions were under review and that the consulate would provide an official response soon. He emphasized the importance of awaiting the consulate’s explanation and refrained from making further statements.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, condemned the disrespect shown towards the national anthem, calling it “reprehensible” and confirming that Pakistan has lodged a strong protest with Afghan authorities in both Islamabad and Kabul. The Afghan Chargé d’Affaires was summoned for this purpose.
Senator Faisal Vawda has criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Chief Minister Gandapur, accusing them of contributing to the situation. Vawda claimed that the actions of the PTI chief minister have brought shame to the country and destabilized national unity.
Furthermore, it has been reported that Consul General Shakir is residing in Pakistan illegally. Sources revealed that Shakir and his family returned to Afghanistan in 2015 but are now residing in Pakistan without valid documents. The Proof of Registration (PoR) card scheme they were under has expired, and no further extensions have been granted.
The Afghan Consulate has defended Shakir’s actions, stating that the decision not to stand was due to the presence of music in the anthem and was not intended to show disrespect.
