'Technical issue': Afghanistan FM Muttaqi explains absence of women journalists at Delhi press meet

Taliban minister's excuse for barring women journalists at first presser

Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has clarified that the absence of women journalists at his recent press conference in New Delhi was due to a “technical issue” and not a deliberate exclusion.

“This was on short notice and a short list of journalists was decided, and the participation list that was presented was very specific. It was more a technical issue... Our colleagues had decided to send an invitation to a specific list of journalists and there was no other intention apart from this,” Muttaqi said, addressing criticism over the all-male event.

The press meet, held earlier this week, drew widespread attention as no female reporters were present, prompting backlash from opposition leaders and media observers. Muttaqi emphasized that the list of attendees had been pre-determined and that there was no intent to exclude women journalists.

This marks Afghanistan’s first high-level engagement with India since the Taliban returned to power, with Muttaqi taking steps to address concerns by ensuring female reporters participated in subsequent media interactions.