The Afghan embassy in New Delhi has drawn criticism after female journalists were reportedly excluded from a press briefing featuring the Afghan Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi. Approximately 16 male reporters were allowed into the event, while women and foreign media representatives were allegedly denied entry.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated it had no involvement in the press interaction. However, a source from the Taliban government acknowledged that female journalists were not invited, citing a lack of proper coordination and promising their inclusion in future events.
This incident has ignited a strong reaction from Indian political figures and media watchdogs. Rahul Gandhi, an opposition leader, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting the government’s inaction conveyed a message of weakness towards women. The Editors Guild of India strongly condemned the discriminatory exclusion, emphasizing the need for a public commitment to gender equality at diplomatic events held in India.
Foreign Minister Muttaqi was in India for high-level discussions, including a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. During this meeting, India announced its intention to reopen its embassy in Kabul, which had been closed following the Taliban’s return to power.
The Taliban government has implemented numerous restrictions since 2021, impacting women’s and girls’ rights significantly. In response to the press event, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the government’s stance on the exclusion of female journalists and the perceived insult to India’s women.
The incident also drew sharp comments from other politicians, with some suggesting that male journalists present should have shown solidarity by walking out. One politician criticized the attendees as “emasculated spineless male journos” and called the government “spineless hypocrites” for allowing such an affront to Indian women.
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