Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has drawn international condemnation after his press conference in New Delhi exclusively featured male journalists, underscoring the Taliban’s ongoing commitment to gender discrimination. The incident occurred during a high-profile diplomatic visit to India.
The press briefing, held at the Afghan Embassy, followed productive discussions between Muttaqi and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on trade, humanitarian aid, and security. However, photographs and accounts from the event revealed a striking lack of female representation among the assembled reporters, sparking immediate criticism.
Reports suggest the Taliban delegation itself curated the list of journalists, allegedly disregarding Indian proposals to include women. This decision has been met with strong disapproval, given the persistent global outcry against the Taliban’s systematic suppression of women’s rights and freedoms within Afghanistan, a situation frequently highlighted by the United Nations.
The exclusion of women journalists has been widely described as an ‘abhorrent’ and ‘illegal discrimination’ brought to India under official diplomatic cover. Critics questioned the appropriateness of granting such access to a delegation whose actions severely curtail women’s rights, arguing it undermines principles of gender equality and international human rights standards.
Responding to inquiries about the situation of Afghan women, Minister Muttaqi offered a vague reply, emphasizing respect for national customs and laws. He also pointed to an improved security landscape in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, citing a decrease in conflict-related incidents.
The Taliban have implemented a series of stringent restrictions on Afghan women since 2021, impacting their access to education, employment, and participation in public life. The UN has previously issued stark warnings about the pervasive and systematic nature of this oppression.
Muttaqi’s visit is the first of its kind since the Taliban assumed power in 2021. While the discussions aimed to bolster bilateral relations, the controversy surrounding the all-male press conference has dominated the narrative, casting a shadow over diplomatic efforts and drawing renewed international attention to the Taliban’s deeply concerning gender policies.