‘Unintentional’: Taliban On ‘Men-Only’ Press Meet, Says Muttaqi Hosts Female Journos Regularly

Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi addresses a press conference. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)

An Afghan Taliban spokesperson on Saturday said that the exclusion of female journalists from Taliban leader and the nation’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s press conference in New Delhi was unintentional.

“There is no discriminatory policy against women. The number of passes was limited; some received them, some did not. It was a technical matter and should not be viewed as a policy issue,” Taliban officials told News18.

The spokesperson highlighted that Muttaqi often meets women journalists in his office in Kabul. It is likely that the spokesperson was referring to non-Afghan female journalists who have to follow a strict dress code while meeting Taliban officials.

“Muttaqi meets women in his office in Kabul regularly. I myself do interviews with female journalists,” the spokesperson said in a exclusive conversation with News18.

“There is no such thing that this is an intentional act to exclude women from the briefing. However, there were male journalists who were not able to get pass to participate in the briefing,” the spokesperson further add and highlighted a shortage of passes as well.

The Taliban spokesperson also told News18 that, during future visits to India, women journalists would be included in press interactions, provided both delegations coordinate properly and media representatives communicate in advance to avoid any issues.

The absence of women in Friday’s Amir Khan Muttaqi’s press interaction in New Delhi sparked a debate and female journalists and a section of opposition party’s politicians were quick to point out the Taliban’s history of attacks on women’s rights.

The External Affairs Ministry on Saturday highlighted that it had no role on admission of women to Muttaqi’s press meet.

Taliban regime in Afghanistan does not allow women to work and has banned girls from attending secondary school and women from universities. There are also restrictions on movement.

The Taliban has engaged in high-level talks with many nations and established some diplomatic ties with countries including China and the United Arab Emirates. In July, Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban ’s government.

Still, the Taliban government has been relatively isolated on the world stage, largely over its restrictions on women.

Female journalists from India’s top media outlets pointed out that they were barred from entering the press conference and some even highlighted that they were barred despite following the “dress code”.

Journalist Geeta Mohan, who works with broadcaster India Today, female journalists from broadcaster NDTV, journalist Nayanima Basu and others posted on social media that it was unacceptable that female journalists were not allowed.