Syed Adnan
PESHAWAR: In a brazen display of contempt for diplomatic norms, officials from the Afghan Consulate today openly disregarded protocol at the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference held in Peshawar. The event, hosted by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, saw an appalling act of disrespect when Afghan Consul General, Mohibullah Shakir, blatantly remained seated during Pakistan’s national anthem.
This blatant disregard for the anthem not only violated standard diplomatic decorum but also sent a clear and disturbing message of disrespect toward Pakistan and its people. While the entire assembly rose in respect, Consul General Shakir shamelessly stayed seated, as if to proclaim that the national pride of Pakistan held no significance for him or his delegation.
The incident has sparked outrage across political and diplomatic circles, with experts calling it a severe breach of international diplomatic protocols. In any civilized society, such a display of arrogance would be condemned in the strongest terms. “This is an extraordinary incident that flies in the face of diplomatic etiquette,” remarked political analysts. “It is not just a violation of protocol but an insult to the nation. This individual has made it clear that he holds no respect for Pakistan or its people.”
Experts are urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take swift action, calling for a formal demarche to be issued to the Afghan government and demanding that Mohibullah Shakir be declared “persona non grata” and expelled from the country immediately. Anything less, they argue, would be seen as Pakistan tolerating a grave diplomatic insult.
The Foreign Office must not only address this disgraceful violation but also ensure that future breaches of such nature are dealt with harshly, safeguarding Pakistan’s dignity and diplomatic standing. The people of Pakistan deserve nothing less than full respect, especially from foreign representatives on their soil.
This incident, if left unchecked, sets a dangerous precedent where diplomatic guests can flout Pakistan’s national symbols with impunity. A strong, immediate response is the only acceptable course of action.
