Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has said the exclusion of women journalists from Friday's press conference in New Delhi 'was not intended and more of a technical issue.'
“Regarding the press conference, it was due to the short notice. The participation list was prepared with specific journalists, and it was more of a technical issue and not deliberate exclusion. It was not intended," he said during the second press meet on Sunday, for which both men and women journalists were invited.
Muttaqi is on a six-day visit to India. In his press conference held on October 10 (Friday) in New Delhi, female journalists were not allowed to participate.
The incident had sparked widespread criticism. Many termed it as a reflection of the Taliban's misogyny, infamous for barring women from accessing education and most workplaces. Journalists condemned the Indian government for encouraging such policies in the country.
Responding to broader concerns about gender discrimination under Taliban rule, Muttaqi claimed that “education is not haram,” and said 2.8 million of the 10 million students currently attending school in Afghanistan are girls. “We have witnessed 40 years of war, including foreign occupation. But today, peace prevails and education is open,” he added.
On the killing of Pulitzer Prize–winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui in 2021, Muttaqi expressed regret. “We experienced four decades of war. It was a bitter period in our history. We regret all the losses in the last few years,” he said. “However, in the last four years, no reporters have been harmed.”
On its conflict with Pakistan, Muttaqi said, "We want a peaceful resolution of the situation, but if the peace efforts don't succeed, we have other options," he said.
He said the situation is under control now.
His comments came amid tensions between the two countries rose on Thursday after Pakistan carried out air strikes in Kabul. It escalated into clashes between the two sides.
"We have good relations with the people of Pakistan and the government, but some elements in that country are trying to create problems," he added.
