‘Every country has its own customs, laws, and principles’

Only a handful of reporters attended a press conference addressed by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, while women journalists were conspicuous by their absence.

Mr. Muttaqi held the interaction at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi, hours after holding wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

It has been learnt that the decision to invite journalists to the media interaction was taken by the Taliban officials accompanying the foreign minister.

People familiar with the matter said the Indian side had suggested to the Afghan side that women journalists be included among the invitees to the event.

Mr. Muttaqi side-stepped a direct question on the plight of women in Afghanistan but said every country has its own customs, laws, and principles, and there should be respect for them.

He claimed that the overall situation in the country has improved significantly since the Taliban came to power in August 2021.