Women journalists attended the Taliban press conference in India after being excluded from an earlier event. Their presence in the front row came after outrage over Friday’s media briefing that banned female reporters. The Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi faced criticism for the move, which sparked anger among politicians, activists, and the press. In his second appearance, he said the omission was unintentional. The Taliban press conference in India quickly turned into a symbol of women’s resistance.
Mr. Muttaqi explained that the first briefing was organized on short notice and the guest list was limited. He said it was a “technical issue” rather than a deliberate act. However, critics rejected the explanation, calling it another sign of the Taliban’s deep bias against women. The UN described Afghanistan’s restrictions on women as “gender apartheid,” pointing to bans on education, jobs, and movement. The controversy at the Taliban press conference in India highlighted global concern over women’s rights under Taliban rule.
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The Taliban maintain that their rules follow Afghan culture and Islamic law. Still, Western nations argue that the group’s treatment of women blocks its path to recognition. Women are barred from universities, workplaces, and even parks. The severe curbs have drawn condemnation from rights organizations worldwide. In this context, the sight of female reporters in the front row sent a powerful message of defiance and hope.
Mr. Muttaqi arrived in India for high-level meetings aimed at improving ties and gaining legitimacy. India has not formally recognized the Taliban government but continues limited diplomatic contact and humanitarian aid. On Friday, he met Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, who announced plans to reopen the Indian embassy in Kabul. Despite the visit’s diplomatic goals, the controversy over women reporters overshadowed the event and drew global media attention.
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India’s Ministry of External Affairs denied involvement in organizing the first briefing, saying it took place at the Afghan embassy. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government, accusing it of failing to defend women’s dignity. Yet, the powerful image of women sitting proudly in the front row during the Taliban press conference in India showed courage, unity, and a call for equal respect in journalism and beyond.