New Delhi: In a surprising turn of events, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has extended an invitation to female journalists for a press conference in New Delhi, following widespread criticism over their exclusion from a previous media interaction. The earlier press event, held at the Afghan Embassy on Friday, had barred female reporters, sparking an immediate backlash from media organizations, women’s groups, and political commentators.
The controversy prompted Minister Muttaqi to clarify that the exclusion of female journalists was due to a “technical issue” and was not intended to be discriminatory. In a statement released ahead of the New Delhi press conference, he emphasized that the upcoming event would be fully inclusive, allowing participation from all journalists, regardless of gender.
The Editors Guild of India and the Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) had strongly condemned the initial exclusion, calling it a violation of press freedom and gender equality principles. Both organizations highlighted that such actions undermine the credibility of media engagement and the rights of women to equal access in public and diplomatic forums.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs clarified that it had no role in organizing the event, noting that the press conference was entirely conducted within the Afghan Embassy and therefore falls under the embassy’s jurisdiction. Despite this, the incident has reignited discussions on women’s rights, media representation, and diplomatic protocol, particularly in the context of Afghanistan’s governance under the Taliban.
Observers say the reversal is a step in the right direction but underscores the ongoing challenges faced by female professionals in Afghanistan. The controversy also highlights the delicate balance foreign missions must maintain when navigating cultural sensitivities, international norms, and global scrutiny.
As the press conference convenes in New Delhi, attention now focuses on how Afghan officials engage with the media and whether inclusive practices will be consistently upheld in future interactions, signaling broader implications for women’s participation in public life and media access in the region.