Criticism follows after Afghan diplomats refused to stand up during Pakistan’s national anthem

Pakistani social media slammed Afghan Acting Consul General Muhib Ullah Shakil and his aide after they refused to stand up for Pakistan’s national anthem, defying diplomatic norms, at the National Rehmat-ul-Lil-Aalamin (PBUH) Conference in Peshawar on September 17.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch criticised Afghan diplomats, saying, “The disrespect of the host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic norms.”

Pakistan also lodged a strong protest with Afghan authorities yesterday over the actions of Afghanistan’s acting consul general in Peshawar towards the national anthem.

In a short clip has since gone viral on the internet, everyone, including CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur and other officials, can be seen standing up for the national anthem except the two Afghan gentlemen who deliberately refuse to stand up as a sign of respect.

Relations between both countries have deteriorated ever since the rise of terrorist activities in Pakistan, for which it blames neighbouring Afghanistan.

Some netizens asked whether the Afghan diplomats would do the same if they were invited by China or Iran, while others criticised the KP government for inviting the Afghan diplomats.

Afghan Consulate Peshawar spokesperson Shahid Ullah clarified, ” The Consul General did not stand due to the music in the anthem. We have even banned our own national anthem for the same reason.”

Journalist Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud wrote on X, “I have said this repeatedly; the Taliban Government functions differently from other traditional political and diplomatic entities, driven fundamentally by an ideology that shapes its state affairs, including both politics and diplomacy. Whether one likes it or not, this is the new normal.”

Former Minster Shireen Mazari also took to X to write, “Rubbish. They are bound by diplomatic norms to stand up for the national anthem. There is simply no justification & these men should be expelled ASAP. & frankly, CM KP should apologise to the ppl for letting this insult to the nation happen on his watch.”

One social media user wondered how CM KP Gandapur often issues threats to fellow politicians and leaders but remained quiet in front of the Afghan Taliban guests who openly disrespected the nation.