<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">After widespread backlash, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has announced a second press conference in New Delhi, this time specifically inviting women journalists to attend.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The decision comes amid strong criticism from Indian media bodies, including the Editors&rsquo; Guild of India and the Indian Women Press Corps, who had condemned the earlier exclusion of women reporters as &ldquo;blatant gender discrimination&rdquo; and an affront to press freedom in India.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Government sources clarified that the Indian administration had no involvement in the initial press event, stating that invitations were managed directly by the Afghan delegation.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The controversy quickly drew political reactions at home. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, voiced sharp disapproval. Rahul Gandhi said the incident sent a discouraging message to women across the country, while Priyanka Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify his position on the matter.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Muttaqi&rsquo;s move to hold an inclusive press meet is being seen as an attempt to address the diplomatic embarrassment and reaffirm respect for journalistic and gender equality norms during his visit to India.</span></div>

Afghan FM held inclusive press meet in Delhi

Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi invites women journalists after earlier exclusion backlash

Afghan FM held inclusive press meet in Delhi

Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi invites women journalists after earlier exclusion backlash

October 12, 2025 | 15:54 IST