The diplomatic relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has encountered another hurdle after the Afghan Consul General in Peshawar, Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir, faced criticism for not standing during Pakistan’s national anthem at the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference. The event, held in Peshawar, was intended to celebrate the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, but an unintended diplomatic controversy emerged when the Consul General remained seated as the Pakistani anthem played.
The incident occurred during a high-profile conference, where dignitaries, scholars, and officials from both countries were present. As is customary in such events, the national anthem of Pakistan was played at the beginning. However, Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir chose to remain seated, prompting immediate criticism from various quarters in Pakistan, with many considering it a show of disrespect toward the nation.
Critics on social media and several media outlets in Pakistan were quick to condemn Shakir’s actions, calling it a deliberate snub. The incident added fuel to the already strained relationship between the two countries, who share a long history of diplomatic, cultural, and political complexities.
In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for the Afghan Consulate issued a clarification. According to the consulate, Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir did not stand during the national anthem as a matter of policy. The Afghan government, the statement said, prohibits music in its own national anthem, and Shakir’s decision to remain seated was in line with this policy.
“The Consul General did not stand because the anthem contained music, in line with Afghan policy which prohibits music in its own national anthem,” the consulate spokesperson explained. This, they argued, was not intended as an insult to Pakistan or its national symbols but was a reflection of Afghanistan’s own cultural and religious stance on the use of music in national representations.
In the wake of growing criticism, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, also offered a statement to quell the rising tension. He referred to the clarification provided by the Afghan Consulate and urged people to consider the cultural and religious sensitivities involved.
“The Afghan Consulate has explained that the Consul General did not stand because the anthem included music. The Afghan government has also removed music from their own national anthem,” Gandapur said. He emphasized that this explanation should be taken at face value, and there should be no rush to interpret the incident as a political or diplomatic slight.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that Afghanistan, a predominantly Muslim country, has specific cultural norms related to music and its role in public life, which might differ from Pakistan’s practices. “While we respect their cultural and religious considerations, I hope this incident is not blown out of proportion,” Gandapur added.
Pakistan Foreign Office’s Response
The Pakistan Foreign Office also weighed in on the issue, though it sought to handle the matter with restraint. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Foreign Office acknowledged the clarification provided by the Afghan Consulate but highlighted the importance of respecting each nation’s national symbols, especially during diplomatic events.
“Pakistan respects the cultural and religious sensitivities of all nations, including Afghanistan. However, we expect reciprocal respect for our national symbols, including the national anthem, during formal events. Diplomats and officials from all countries attending such events are typically expected to participate in these protocols,” the spokesperson said.
The Foreign Office’s statement hinted at the need for a balance between respecting cultural norms and adhering to international diplomatic protocols. The spokesperson refrained from escalating the issue but made it clear that the expectation of standing during a national anthem is a standard diplomatic courtesy.
The root of the controversy lies in Afghanistan’s unique position on music. In recent years, the Afghan government has taken a firm stance against the inclusion of music in its national anthem, which is in line with certain Islamic interpretations. The Taliban government, during its first rule in the late 1990s, banned all forms of music, considering it un-Islamic. While the country has since seen changes in governance, some conservative interpretations remain influential, particularly concerning public displays of music in religious and national contexts.
Afghanistan’s national anthem, adopted after the fall of the Taliban in 2006, is known for not having a musical accompaniment, a decision reflecting the nation’s sensitivity toward music in formal and religious settings. This context helps explain the Afghan Consul General’s decision to not stand during Pakistan’s anthem, which includes a musical component.
The incident has drawn a variety of reactions from the public, media, and political commentators in Pakistan. While some have accepted the explanation provided by the Afghan Consulate and Chief Minister Gandapur, others remain critical, interpreting the act as a broader reflection of strained Afghan-Pakistan relations.
Critics argue that even if Shakir’s decision was rooted in Afghan policy, diplomatic events call for greater flexibility and mutual respect. “It’s about showing respect to the host country,” said one political analyst. “If Afghan officials expect respect for their cultural norms, they must also reciprocate that respect when attending events in other countries.”
However, proponents of the Afghan position argue that cultural differences must be acknowledged and respected in diplomatic interactions. “The criticism is overblown,” said a social media user. “It’s not about disrespecting Pakistan; it’s about staying true to one’s principles.”
The incident highlights the delicate balance that diplomats must navigate between representing their own country’s values and respecting the customs of the host country. It also underscores the ongoing complexities in Afghan-Pakistan relations, where even seemingly small actions can have significant political and diplomatic ramifications.
The controversy surrounding Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir’s decision not to stand during Pakistan’s national anthem has ignited a debate about cultural sensitivity, diplomatic protocol, and the role of national symbols. While the Afghan Consulate has offered a clear explanation for the incident, and Pakistani officials like Chief Minister Gandapur have called for calm, the event serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with navigating the diplomatic terrain between two nations with a complex and often tense history.
As both sides seek to downplay the controversy, the hope is that mutual respect and understanding can prevail, allowing the focus to return to the shared cultural and religious values that the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference was intended to celebrate.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
