Story perspectives

Outrage Erupts as Afghan Minister Excludes Female Journalists

10/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

A New Delhi press conference led by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi excluded female journalists, triggering national outrage.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs denied involvement, saying the Afghan embassy ran the event independently.
Opposition leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, condemned the exclusion and urged Modi to state his stance.
The Taliban's restrictions on Afghan women drew international condemnation and concerns about India's engagement with the regime.

History

Historical Context

Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, they have imposed severe restrictions on women's rights, reminiscent of their first rule from 1996 to 2001. Women are now banned from secondary education and most employment, with over 90% reporting a decline in freedoms. The UN has condemned these actions as gender apartheid, further straining international relations and highlighting ongoing human rights violations in Afghanistan.

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Story summary

A New Delhi press conference led by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi excluded female journalists, triggering national outrage.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs denied involvement, saying the Afghan embassy ran the event independently.
Opposition leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, condemned the exclusion and urged Modi to state his stance.
The Taliban's restrictions on Afghan women drew international condemnation and concerns about India's engagement with the regime.

1 / 2