PESHAWAR: At the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference in Peshawar on Tuesday, Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir, the Acting Consul General of the Afghan Consulate, chose to remain seated throughout the playing of Pakistan’s national song. The Consulate has justified Shakir’s actions.

The consulate’s spokeswoman made it clear that the decision was made because the song contains music. “There was no intention to disrespect or demean Pakistan’s national anthem,” the spokesperson stated in an official statement. The sound of the song caused the Consul General to fall to the ground.

The consulate also mentioned that music from Afghanistan’s national song is no longer allowed. “If there had been no music or youngsters performing the anthem, the Consul General would have stood and put his hand on his chest,” the spokesperson added.

The embassy categorically declared, “The idea of disrespecting Pakistan or its national anthem is out of the question,” rejecting any accusations of disrespect.

Relations deteriorate as a diplomat’s action provokes criticism

Shakir has been the target of intense criticism for this episode, with many claiming that she violated diplomatic procedure. The diplomatic ramifications occur at a time when Pakistan-Afghan ties are still difficult, especially after the Taliban’s return in August 2021.

In the meantime, the Afghan government has received a forceful protest from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in both Islamabad and Kabul. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokesman for the ministry, denounced the action, saying that it was improper to disrespect the national anthem of the host nation. It is abhorrent what the Acting Consul General of Afghanistan did.” Baloch affirmed that the Afghan Charge d’Affaires has been formally summoned by Pakistan to register a protest.

Govt. of K-P asks for patience

Speaking on the matter, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government spokesman Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said that Afghan diplomats had been notified of the event. He said, “We have been in contact with them, and tomorrow they are expected to issue a statement.”

Furthermore, Saif cautioned that it “would be inappropriate for the provincial government to issue a statement on their behalf” because they are ambassadors. While he acknowledged that the diplomats’ conduct were inappropriate, he emphasised that criticism of them should be avoided.

Dispute over legal standing

An additional development is that sources claim Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir has been living illegally in Pakistan. There are rumours that the Consul General does not have the required paperwork, such as an Afghan passport. According to sources, Shakir and his family left the UNHCR in 2015 and returned to Afghanistan using the now-expired Proof of Registration (PoR) card program.

Shakir and all other Afghan refugees are deemed to be living unlawfully as of September 1st, according to the Ministry of Interior’s not extended their stay.