PESHAWAR (National Times) A spokesman for Afghan Consulate in a statement has said the consulate officials did stand in respect of national anthem of Pakistan because of music in it, adding disrespecting the national anthem was not purpose of the officials.

“Because the anthem had music, the consul general and an official did not stand; we have banned our national anthem because of the music,” the Afghan Consulate spokesman said.

The spokesman said if the anthem had been played without music or children had presented it, the Afghan officials would have stood up and put their hands on their chest in its respect.

The spokesperson added that it was out question to insult Pakistan or its national anthem.