Indian politicians and journalists have criticized the government for failing to speak out after female journalists were excluded from a press event with the Afghan Taliban foreign minister in Delhi. Around 16 male reporters were selected to attend a forum on Friday with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at the Afghan embassy. Journalists observed women and foreign media being turned away. However, Zai Takel, a member of the Taliban government’s delegation and spokesman for the foreign ministry, denied anyone was turned away and stated that 'all journalists who came to the embassy were allowed to participate'. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) claimed it 'had no involvement in the press interaction' at the Afghan embassy.
A source in the Taliban government admitted that women had not been invited to attend, explaining that female journalists were excluded due to a lack of proper coordination, but they would be invited to the next conference if held in Delhi.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi remarked that by allowing the event to proceed, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was 'telling every woman in India that you are too weak to stand up for them.' The Editors Guild of India strongly condemned the exclusion, citing it as deeply troubling and calling for the government to 'publicly reaffirm that press access at diplomatic events held in India must respect gender equity.'
Muttaqi is in India for a week of high-level talks with the government, including a meeting with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who announced plans to reopen India’s embassy in Kabul. The Taliban has imposed numerous restrictions severely affecting the rights of Afghan women and girls since regaining power. Reactions from various politicians and public figures continue to highlight the urgency of ensuring equal access and representation for women in journalism.
A source in the Taliban government admitted that women had not been invited to attend, explaining that female journalists were excluded due to a lack of proper coordination, but they would be invited to the next conference if held in Delhi.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi remarked that by allowing the event to proceed, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was 'telling every woman in India that you are too weak to stand up for them.' The Editors Guild of India strongly condemned the exclusion, citing it as deeply troubling and calling for the government to 'publicly reaffirm that press access at diplomatic events held in India must respect gender equity.'
Muttaqi is in India for a week of high-level talks with the government, including a meeting with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who announced plans to reopen India’s embassy in Kabul. The Taliban has imposed numerous restrictions severely affecting the rights of Afghan women and girls since regaining power. Reactions from various politicians and public figures continue to highlight the urgency of ensuring equal access and representation for women in journalism.
