Following widespread criticism, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi offered an explanation for the lack of female journalists at a recent press briefing, citing a “technical issue.” The incident had been widely condemned as an affront to women’s rights. Muttaqi clarified that the press conference was arranged quickly with a limited, pre-determined list of attendees, and no other intentions were involved. He made these remarks at a follow-up press conference held two days after the initial event at the Afghanistan Embassy ignited public outcry.
The initial press conference on Friday, which saw no women journalists in attendance, was met with strong disapproval from opposition leaders who described it as an “insult to women.” The timing of the event was significant, occurring shortly after Muttaqi concluded discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister. Political figures in India, such as Rahul Gandhi, sharply criticized the government’s perceived inaction in the face of this exclusion. Former Union Minister P Chidambaram expressed his dismay, suggesting a walkout by male journalists would have been appropriate. Officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated they were not involved in the press conference’s organization, noting that the Afghan Consul General in Mumbai extended invitations to select Delhi-based journalists, and the embassy grounds are not under Indian administrative control.
Muttaqi also provided an update on education in Afghanistan, reporting that approximately 10 million students, including 2.8 million females, are enrolled in various educational institutions. He addressed limitations in some religious seminaries, clarifying that while postponed, educational access for women is not prohibited on religious grounds. Regarding Pakistan, he expressed a desire for peaceful coexistence but warned that Afghanistan would protect its national interests, referencing a recent border escalation that has since been de-escalated through international mediation.