Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has responded to a storm of controversy regarding the absence of women journalists at a recent press conference, attributing the oversight to a “technical issue.” The incident had been widely perceived as a disrespectful act towards women. Muttaqi elaborated that the press conference was organized on very short notice, with a restricted list of journalists invited, and emphasized that no other motives were at play. His comments came during a second press conference, held a couple of days after the initial event at the Afghanistan Embassy caused significant uproar.
The press conference on Friday, notably devoid of female reporters, drew immediate backlash from opposition parties who declared it “unacceptable” and a clear “insult to women.” This event followed extensive discussions between Muttaqi and India’s External Affairs Minister. Political figures, including Rahul Gandhi, strongly criticized the government for its perceived acquiescence to the exclusion of women journalists. P Chidambaram also voiced his shock, suggesting that male colleagues should have protested the exclusion. Clarifications from India’s Ministry of External Affairs indicated that the organization of the press conference was solely managed by the Afghan mission, with invitations extended by the Consul General in Mumbai to a select group of Delhi-based reporters, and that the embassy’s premises are outside Indian governmental jurisdiction.
Minister Muttaqi also spoke about educational advancements in Afghanistan, stating that 2.8 million women and girls are among the 10 million students attending educational institutions. He acknowledged some postponements in specific areas, particularly within religious seminaries, but maintained that education is not forbidden and has been deferred rather than banned. On relations with Pakistan, he stressed a desire for peace and good ties but asserted Afghanistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty, noting a recent border skirmish that was temporarily halted due to international appeals.