New Delhi: Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi faced criticism after holding a press conference in Delhi without any women journalists present. The event, held on October 10, drew sharp reactions from media professionals, opposition leaders, and women’s rights advocates.
Photographs showing an all-male press gathering went viral, prompting accusations of hypocrisy against the Taliban, known for restricting women’s rights in Afghanistan. Responding to the backlash, Muttaqi organized a second press meet two days later, calling it an “inclusive” session and inviting women journalists to attend.
Muttaqi said the exclusion in the earlier event was unintentional, describing it as a “technical issue” caused by short notice and limited invitations. He maintained that no one’s rights—women’s or men’s—should be denied. The Indian government clarified that it had no role in organizing the first press event.
During the second conference, Muttaqi spoke on various bilateral and regional topics, including restarting development projects, enhancing trade through the Chabahar port, reopening the Wagah route, and launching flights between Amritsar and Afghan cities. He also discussed returning Afghan detainees from India and facilitating student exchanges.
On women’s education, he claimed that girls continue to study in several Afghan regions, though restrictions exist in “specific areas.” He reiterated that education for women is not forbidden under Islamic law.
