ISLAMABAD – Pakistan on Thursday rejected Acting Afghan consul general’s explanation for not standing during the Pakistani national anthem at an event in Peshawar, terming the action a violation of diplomatic norms.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated this while responding to a question at a weekly press briefing.
She said Pakistan considers the act of the Acting Afghan Consul General Mohibullah Shakir as reprehensible, saying this has hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan.
Baloch said Pakistan has conveyed its strong protest to the Afghan authorities on the matter. She said decisions will be taken after due internal deliberations and conclusion of talks with the Afghan government. She said Pakistan reserves the right to take action in accordance with diplomatic norms and practices.
Earlier this week, Afghan Consulate officials demonstrated extreme indecency and gross violation of diplomatic norms at a ceremony in Peshawar.
Officials of the Afghan Consulate were invited by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to the Rahmat-ul-lil-Aalameen Conference in Peshawar.
Afghan Consul General Mohibullah Shakir remained seated during Pakistan’s national anthem, blatantly disregarding diplomatic protocol and shamelessly sitting in his seat.
