Desk News: In a surprising turn of events, Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Saqir did not stand during the playing of Pakistan’s national anthem, citing the inclusion of musical instruments as the reason. The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 17, at an event commemorating Eid Milad-un-Nabi, where Consul General Mohibullah was invited by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur.

A video of the event has gone viral on social media, showing the Afghan Consul General and his associates remaining seated while others stood to honor the national anthem.

The incident sparked widespread criticism in Pakistan. The government took the matter seriously, lodging an official protest with the Afghan embassy. Pakistani authorities claimed that the Afghan diplomat’s actions were disrespectful to the people of Pakistan and violated diplomatic protocol.

In response, a spokesperson for the Afghan consulate clarified that the Consul General had not intended to disrespect the national anthem. Instead, the decision not to stand was based on the fact that the anthem included music, which conflicts with Afghanistan’s regulations. The spokesperson stated, “Because the anthem contained music, the Afghan Consul General remained seated. Music is prohibited in our own national anthem, and had there been no music, he would have stood in respect with his hand over his heart.”

This incident has highlighted cultural and diplomatic sensitivities between the two nations, and it remains to be seen how it will impact relations going forward.