Pakistan rejects Afghan envoy’s explanation for not standing during national anthem

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Thursday rejected the acting Afghan Consul General’s explanation for not standing during the Pakistani national anthem at an event in Peshawar, terming the act a violation of diplomatic norms.

During a weekly press briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan considers the act of the Afghan diplomat reprehensible, saying this has hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan.

She said Pakistan has conveyed its strong protest to the Afghan authorities on the matter, adding Pakistan reserves the right to take action in accordance with diplomatic norms and practices.

It is to be noted here that two Afghan envoys did not stand in respect to the national anthem of Pakistan during an event in Peshawar, and they later explained that they did not stand due to music being played with the anthem.

Responding to a question regarding India's notice seeking reassessment of the treaty, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan considers the Indus Water Treaty important and hopes that India will also comply with its provisions.

“The two countries have a mechanism of Indus Water Commissioners, and all issues pertaining to this treaty can be discussed in it,” she emphasised.

The spokesperson termed the election exercise in Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) farcical, adding that the UN Security Council resolutions clearly state that the final disposition of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute will be made in accordance with the will of the Kashmiri people expressed through a UN supervised plebiscite.