Iran national anthem: Afghanistan defies diplomatic norms again

TEHRAN: Iran condemned Afghanistan this Friday after an official remained seated at a conference on Islamic unity as Iran’s national anthem played defying diplomatic norms.

The incidence comes just days after Afghan officials were criticised for not standing during the Pakistani national anthem at a government event in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday.

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The most recent incidence occurred at the 38^th International Islamic Unity Conference which was held from 19 September to 21 September 2024. While the annual event is held with the goal of promoting solidarity and unity among various Islamic sects, it was a lack of respect by Afghan delegates that made headlines after they did not stand up for the Iranian national anthem

The two incidences have led Pakistan and Iran to express their discontent with Afghan authorities. The Iranian foreign minister condemned delegate Azizorahman Mansour’s actions, stating they were “unconventional and unacceptable,” accusing the representative of “disrespecting the national anthem of the Islamic Republic.”

Citing the Taliban’s ban on public music, the Afghan official expressed that he was simply following the norms, saying “in our country when we sing songs, we sit.”

“Paying respect to the national anthem of countries is internationally recognised behaviour,” Iran’s statement added.

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A spokesperson for Afghanistan’s consulate took a similar stance after the same incidence occurred in Pakistan on Tuesday, saying “because the anthem had music, the consul general and an official did not stand.”