No Women Journalists Allowed at Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's Press Conference in New Delhi

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's press conference in New Delhi saw no women journalists present, despite suggestions from the Indian side. The Taliban's ongoing restrictions on women's rights continue to draw international criticism.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi recently held a press conference at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi. The event, attended by a select group of reporters, notably lacked the presence of women journalists. This decision was reportedly made by Taliban officials accompanying Muttaqi, despite suggestions from the Indian side to include women journalists.

During his visit, Muttaqi engaged in comprehensive discussions with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. However, the absence of women journalists at the press conference drew attention, especially given the Taliban's controversial stance on women's rights in Afghanistan. The regime has faced widespread criticism from international bodies like the United Nations for its policies.

Taliban's Stance on Women's Rights

Muttaqi avoided directly addressing questions about women's conditions in Afghanistan. Instead, he emphasised that each nation has its own customs and laws that should be respected. He asserted that since the Taliban assumed power in August 2021, the situation in Afghanistan has improved significantly.

He highlighted that before the Taliban's rule, Afghanistan experienced daily fatalities ranging from 200 to 400 people. Muttaqi claimed that such losses have ceased over the past four years. He insisted that laws are enforced and everyone has their rights, dismissing accusations of rights violations as propaganda.

Claims of Improved Stability

Muttaqi argued that if people were dissatisfied with the current system and laws, peace would not have returned to Afghanistan. He reiterated that every country operates according to its own principles and customs. "Every country has its own customs, laws and principles, and works according to those," he stated.

The Afghan Foreign Minister's remarks come amid ongoing global scrutiny of the Taliban's governance. Critics argue that despite claims of stability, significant issues remain unresolved, particularly concerning women's rights and freedoms.

The press conference underscored the complexities of international relations with Afghanistan under Taliban rule. While some improvements are claimed by the regime, global concerns persist regarding human rights and inclusivity.

With inputs from PTI