Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed a press conference in Delhi on Sunday, where he spoke at length about regional security, diplomatic relations, internal policies, and the status of women’s education under the Taliban-led government. Muttaqi is currently on a visit to India, having arrived on October 9, and is expected to remain in the country until October 16. This marks the first ministerial-level visit to India since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021.
Muttaqi clarifies women Journos’ absence at PC
Addressing the absence of women journalists at his press conference two days ago, Afghanistan Foreign Minister Muttaqi clarified that it was due to logistical constraints rather than intentional exclusion. “The press conference was arranged on short notice, and a limited list of journalists was finalised. The participation list that was presented was very specific. It was more of a technical issue,” he explained. “Our colleagues had decided to send invitations to a particular group of journalists, and there was no other intention behind this decision,” he added.
#WATCH | Delhi | On the issue of women journalists not being invited to his presser two days ago, Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi says, "With regards to the press conference, it was on short notice and a short list of journalists was decided, and the participation… pic.twitter.com/zM8999yc0l
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2025
Embassy in Delhi is completely under our control, says Muttaqi
Speaking on diplomatic control, Muttaqi firmly stated that the Afghan Embassy in Delhi is now fully under the administration’s control. He said, “This embassy in Delhi is completely under our control. All those who fought against us, even they are working with us,” implying a reconciliation with former opposition elements now working in cooperation with the Taliban government.
Muttaqi on TTP’s presence in Afghanistan
Responding to questions about the presence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, Muttaqi denied any official harbouring of the group. “There is no presence of TTP in Afghanistan now. Even prior to our return to Kabul, the Pakistan military carried out operations in tribal areas that led to the displacement of a large number of people. The US military and the US government gave refuge to them on Afghan soil. They are Pakistani people from displaced areas and are allowed to live in the country as refugees,” he said.
He stressed that those individuals are Pakistani nationals and their presence should not be used to shift blame. “The Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the Durand Line, is over 2,400 km long. It could neither be controlled by ‘Changez’ nor ‘Angrez’. Strength alone cannot control it,” he added, suggesting that border control is a complex issue that cannot be solved solely through military force.
Muttaqi further urged Pakistan to take accountability for internal instability. “If Pakistan wants peace, they have a bigger army and better intelligence, why are they not controlling it? This fight is inside Pakistan. Instead of blaming us, they should control the issues in their territory,” he said.
Afghanistan FM on women’s education under Taliban regime
Reacting to the ban on education for women in Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated that the country maintains strong ties with Islamic institutions, particularly Ulema Madaris and Deoband. He emphasised that Afghanistan currently has around 10 million students enrolled in schools and other educational institutions, including 2.8 million women and girls.
“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. 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’, but it has been postponed until the second order,” stated Muttaqi.
#WATCH | Delhi | On the ban on education for women in his country, Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi says, "There is no doubt that Aghanistan has relations with Ulema Madaris and with Deoband perhaps greater than others. With regards to education, at present we have… pic.twitter.com/XYKsAViqL5
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2025
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