Officials say that Pakistan has complained to Kabul after an Afghan diplomat failed to stand up when the Pakistani national anthem was played during an event in the country's northwest.

In a move that has sparked diplomatic friction, Pakistan lodged a strong protest with Afghan authorities on Tuesday after Afghan diplomats remained seated during the playing of Pakistan's national anthem at an event.

Pakistan on Tuesday conveyed their strong protest to the Afghanistan authorities over the disrespect to the country's national anthem by Afghan diplomats who continued to remain seated when it was being played at an event.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the weekend bombing that killed two police officials in restive southwestern Pakistan.

Pakistani authorities on Friday suspended policemen who had opened fire and killed a blasphemy suspect in the country's south earlier this week, only to be applauded and showered with rose petals by local residents after the killing.