NEW DELHI: A press conference held by Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on Friday garnered attention not for the content of the discussion, but rather for the absence of certain individuals in attendance. Women journalists were prohibited from participating in the event, which was limited to a select group of male reporters. The meeting, conducted at the Afghan Embassy shortly after Muttaqi’s discussions with external affairs minister S Jaishankar, seemed to reflect the gender limitations that have been widely condemned under the Taliban regime. Sources familiar with the situation indicated that the selection of journalists to be invited was determined by Taliban officials who accompanied Muttaqi. According to news agency PTI, the Indian delegation had proposed that women reporters be included among the invitees, a suggestion that was clearly not heeded.
Former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram expressed his astonishment regarding the incident, stating, “Male journalists should have exited when they realized their female colleagues were being excluded.” “I am appalled that female journalists were not included in the press conference led by Mr. Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan. In my opinion, male journalists ought to have walked out upon discovering that their female counterparts were either excluded or not invited,” Chidambaram posted on X. — PChidambaram_IN (@PChidambaram_IN) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Lok Sabha MP representing Wayanad, inquired about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance on the matter, asserting that his “acknowledgment of women’s rights should not merely be opportunistic from one election to the next.” “Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, kindly clarify your position regarding the exclusion of female journalists from the press conference held by the Taliban representative during his visit to India. If your acknowledgment of women’s rights is not simply opportunistic from one election to another, how has this affront to some of India’s most capable women been permitted in our nation, a country where women are its foundation and pride,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated on X. — priyankagandhi (@priyankagandhi) TMC MP Mahua Moitra remarked: “The government has disrespected every single Indian woman by permitting the Taliban minister to exclude female journalists from the press conference. A disgraceful group of spineless hypocrites.” — MahuaMoitra (@MahuaMoitra) The Taliban administration in Kabul has encountered ongoing international condemnation, including from the United Nations, for its restrictions on women’s rights, education, and involvement in public life. When questioned about the status of women in Afghanistan, Muttaqi evaded the inquiry. Instead, he asserted that each nation possesses its own systems and values that warrant respect.
“Every nation possesses its unique customs, laws, and principles, which deserve respect,” he stated. Muttaqi asserted that Afghanistan’s circumstances have improved since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, comparing the current state to the years prior. “Approximately 200 to 400 individuals lost their lives in Afghanistan daily before the Taliban assumed control of the country,” he remarked. “In the past four years, such fatalities have ceased. Laws are being upheld, and everyone is entitled to their rights. Those who engage in propaganda are mistaken,” Muttaqi asserted. In defense of his government’s achievements, he continued: “Every nation has its distinct customs, laws, and principles, and operates accordingly. It is inaccurate to claim that individuals are denied their rights. If the populace were dissatisfied with the system and the laws, how could peace have been restored?” While Muttaqi portrayed a narrative of stability, the absence of female journalists at his own press conference highlighted the very issue that continues to shape Afghanistan’s global reputation—a peace established without the contributions of half its population.
