Amidst criticism over the exclusion of female journalists from an earlier press briefing, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held a second press conference in New Delhi on Sunday, October 12, 2025, with several women journalists in attendance. The move follows widespread condemnation from Indian politicians, activists, and press bodies after women were barred from a similar event two days prior.
During the press conference, Muttaqi addressed the controversy, stating that the absence of women journalists at the previous event was unintentional and attributed it to a "technical issue". He explained that the earlier event was organized on short notice, and only a limited number of journalists were invited. "With regards to the press conference, it was organised on short notice. A small list of journalists was finalised. It was more of a technical issue," he said. Muttaqi added, "Our colleagues had decided to send invitations to specific journalists and there was no other intention,".
The exclusion of women journalists from the initial press conference had sparked outrage, with some Indian politicians and activists calling it an insult to "Indian women" and the country's "democracy". Several members of India's parliament condemned the incident and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify his government's stance. According to Indian media reports, the Ministry of External Affairs subsequently requested Muttaqi to hold another press briefing open to women journalists.
During Sunday's press conference, Muttaqi faced a barrage of questions regarding the absence of women journalists at the previous briefing. He reiterated that there was no intention to exclude women and that no one's rights should be violated, be they men or women.
Muttaqi also addressed the issue of women's education in Afghanistan, claiming that 2.8 million women are currently studying at seminaries across the country. "With regards to education, at present we have 10 million students attending schools and other educational institutes, of which, 2.8 million are women and girls," Muttaqi stated. He added, "In religious seminaries, this educational opportunity is available all the way to the graduation level. There are certain limitations in specific parts, but that does not mean that we oppose education. We have not declared it religiously 'haram',". Some international estimates indicate that at least 1.5 million Afghan girls have been excluded from the education system since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Girls have been prevented from attending schooling above the primary level, and a large number of women have been excluded from public life.
When questioned about the killing of Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui during the Taliban's 2021 offensive, Muttaqi said, "We regret all loss of lives. In our last four years, no reporter has been harmed". Regarding Afghanistan's relations with Pakistan, he stated that the Taliban harbored "no enmity with the Pakistani people," though "a few elements create problems".
The press conference took place during Muttaqi's six-day visit to India. A large flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was placed behind Muttaqi's chair at the Afghan embassy's conference room.
