Image Credit: X account @MEAIndia
Women Journalists Barred at Taliban Press Meet
A press conference held by Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on Friday drew sharp criticism after no women journalists were allowed entry. The event, hosted at the Afghan embassy, was attended only by male reporters.
Event Excludes Women Reporters
Invitations to the media briefing were reportedly limited to male journalists from about 17 outlets. Some women reporters waited outside the venue but were not permitted inside, even though photos show empty seats during the event.
Outcry and Reactions
The exclusion prompted widespread outrage from journalists, civil society, and political figures. Critics said it was a blatant act of gender discrimination, especially given India’s democratic norms of press freedom. Many questioned how a foreign delegation could impose such a ban on women in New Delhi.
Government Response
India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified that it had no involvement in organizing the press meet and was not consulted about the exclusion of women journalists. The decision on attendance was reportedly taken by the Taliban delegation.
Broader Significance
This appears to be one of the rare occasions of active exclusion of women journalists from a foreign government event held in India. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the Taliban’s stance on women’s rights, even in international settings.
