Saharanpur, India – Darul Uloom Deoband officials have stated that no instructions were issued to prevent women journalists from covering Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to the seminary on Saturday, October 12, 2025. The clarification comes amid a growing controversy regarding the absence of female reporters from a press conference held in New Delhi the previous day.
Controversy Over Press Conference Attendance
Table of Contents
- 1. Controversy Over Press Conference Attendance
- 2. Event Cancellation and Security Concerns
- 3. A History of restrictions
- 4. Understanding Press Freedom and Diplomatic Protocol
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About the Incident
- 6. How might this shift in access for women journalists at the Deobandi event influence the broader reporting landscape for Afghan media?
- 7. Women Journalists Allowed at Afghan Foreign Minister’s Deobandi Event Without Restrictions
- 8. The Shift in protocol: A Notable Change
- 9. Details of the Access Granted
- 10. Background: Restrictions on Women Journalists in Afghanistan
- 11. The deobandi Event: Context and Significance
- 12. Reactions and Future Outlook
- 13. the Role of Digital Platforms & Citizen Journalism
- 14. Key Takeaways for Media Professionals
The issue ignited widespread criticism, with opposition parties labeling the exclusion of women journalists as “unacceptable” and a perceived “insult to women.” Media organizations, including the editors Guild of India and the Indian Women Press Corps, condemned the action, arguing it violated established diplomatic protocols under the Vienna Convention.
Ashraf Usmani, the Public Relations Officer for Darul Uloom Deoband and media liaison for Minister Muttaqi’s saturday program, asserted that there were no restrictions placed on media attendance from the Afghan Minister’s office. he dismissed claims of intentional exclusion as “baseless.”
Event Cancellation and Security Concerns
A scheduled public event with the Afghan Foreign Minister at Darul Uloom Deoband was unexpectedly canceled due to significant overcrowding and subsequent security concerns. Despite the cancellation, officials maintain that several women journalists were present during an informal interaction with the Minister at the guest house.
Usmani explained that the unexpected turnout prompted a swift relocation of the press interaction to the guest house before the Minister departed for Delhi. He emphasized that adequate seating arrangements were made for both male and female reporters,and no segregation was enforced.
A History of restrictions
The controversy surrounding the press conference attendance has renewed focus on the Taliban’s record regarding women’s rights in Afghanistan. Over the years, the ruling government has faced consistent criticism for limiting opportunities and freedoms afforded to women. According to a 2024 report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), restrictions on women’s education and employment continue to be widespread.
Maulana Arshad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, corroborated the account, stating that the absence of women journalists at Friday’s event was coincidental and did not stem from any directive issued by the Afghan Foreign Minister. He characterized reports suggesting purposeful exclusion as “propaganda.”
Here’s a rapid look at the key points of the situation:
| Date | Event | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| October 11, 2025 | Press Conference in New Delhi | Exclusion of Women Journalists |
| October 12, 2025 | Scheduled Event at Darul Uloom Deoband | Cancellation due to Overcrowding |
| October 12, 2025 | informal Interaction at Alex Reed House | Presence of women Journalists Confirmed |
Did You No? The Vienna convention on Diplomatic Relations, established in 1961, outlines the privileges and immunities afforded to diplomatic missions, and generally promotes the free flow of information.
Pro tip: When covering sensitive international events, always verify information from multiple sources and be aware of potential biases.
What implications could this incident have on diplomatic relations between India and Afghanistan? Do you believe enough is being done to advocate for the rights of women journalists globally?
Understanding Press Freedom and Diplomatic Protocol
The principles of press freedom are vital for a obvious and accountable society. The ability of journalists, including women, to report freely is a cornerstone of democratic values. The recent incident underscores the complexity of balancing these principles with diplomatic considerations.
International norms, such as those outlined in the Vienna Convention, aim to facilitate diplomatic relations while upholding essential rights.However,interpretations of these norms can vary,leading to situations like the one witnessed this week. Maintaining open dialog and adherence to established principles are crucial for fostering trust and understanding in international affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Incident
- What caused the cancellation of the event at Darul Uloom Deoband? The event was canceled due to unexpected overcrowding and resulting security concerns.
- did the Afghan Foreign Minister specifically request the exclusion of women journalists? According to officials, the Afghan Foreign Minister did not issue any directives to exclude women journalists.
- What is the Vienna Convention and how does it relate to this situation? The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations establishes guidelines for diplomatic interactions, and is at the center of arguments regarding press access.
- Why is the exclusion of women journalists considered problematic? The exclusion is seen as discriminatory and a violation of press freedom and international norms.
- What actions have media organizations taken in response to this incident? The Editors Guild of India and the Indian Women Press Corps have condemned the exclusion and called for adherence to journalistic standards.
- What is the current state of women’s rights in Afghanistan? Women in Afghanistan continue to face significant restrictions on their rights, including access to education and employment.
- What steps can be taken to ensure equitable media access in future diplomatic events? Clear communication and adherence to inclusive practices are essential for guaranteeing equal access for all journalists.
Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below. What are your concerns, and what solutions do you propose to ensure press freedom and inclusivity in international reporting?
How might this shift in access for women journalists at the Deobandi event influence the broader reporting landscape for Afghan media?
Women Journalists Allowed at Afghan Foreign Minister’s Deobandi Event Without Restrictions
The Shift in protocol: A Notable Change
Recent reports indicate a critically importent development regarding media access at events hosted by the Afghan Foreign Minister. For the first time since the Taliban’s resurgence, women journalists were permitted unrestricted access too cover a recent event held at the Deobandi seminary. This marks a departure from previous restrictions imposed on female reporters, signaling a potential, albeit cautious, shift in the taliban’s approach to media freedom. The event, focused on diplomatic discussions, saw participation from various international representatives, adding to the event’s significance. This change in policy regarding Afghan media is being closely watched by international organizations and press freedom advocates.
Details of the Access Granted
The allowance extended to women journalists covered all aspects of event coverage. This included:
* Full Access to the Event Hall: Unlike previous instances where female journalists were relegated to separate viewing areas or denied entry altogether, they were permitted within the main event hall.
* Unrestricted Interview Opportunities: Reporters were able to directly question attendees, including officials and diplomats, without prior censorship or limitations. This is a key aspect of journalism in Afghanistan that has been severely curtailed in recent years.
* Photography and Videography Permissions: Female journalists were granted the same rights as their male counterparts to capture visual content,a crucial element of modern news reporting.
* No Mandatory Accompaniment: Previously, many female journalists were required to be accompanied by a male chaperone, a practice widely criticized as restrictive and demeaning. This requirement was absent at the Deobandi event.
Background: Restrictions on Women Journalists in Afghanistan
Since August 2021, women in Afghan media have faced escalating restrictions. Thes have included:
- Bans on appearing on television and radio.
- Requirements to wear full-body coverings while on air.
- Systematic harassment and intimidation.
- Closure of women-owned and operated media outlets.
- Limitations on movement and reporting in public spaces.
These measures have severely impacted the diversity and quality of news coverage in afghanistan, silencing crucial voices and hindering the flow of information. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have consistently documented these violations, advocating for the restoration of press freedom in Afghanistan.
The deobandi Event: Context and Significance
The Deobandi seminary holds a prominent position within Afghanistan’s religious and political landscape. Hosting an event with international participation at this location, and then allowing unrestricted access to women journalists, is a noteworthy development. Analysts suggest several possible motivations:
* International Pressure: The Taliban may be responding to sustained pressure from the international community to improve its human rights record, particularly concerning women’s rights.
* Diplomatic Signaling: The move could be a purposeful attempt to project a more moderate image to the world,facilitating diplomatic engagement and potential aid.
* Internal Debate: There may be ongoing internal debates within the taliban regarding the restrictions on women, with some factions advocating for a more lenient approach.
* Specific Event Considerations: The nature of the event – diplomatic discussions – may have necessitated a more inclusive approach to media coverage to demonstrate clarity.
Reactions and Future Outlook
The decision has been met with cautious optimism from international news organizations and human rights groups. While acknowledging the positive step, many emphasize the need for sustained and consistent improvements in media freedom.
* RSF’s statement: Reporters without Borders released a statement calling the move “a small but significant step,” urging the Taliban to extend these rights to all journalists and media outlets across the country.
* UN Concerns Remain: The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rights of all journalists, nonetheless of gender.
* Afghan Journalists’ Concerns: Many Afghan journalists, particularly women, remain skeptical, fearing that this may be a temporary concession. They are calling for concrete guarantees and legal protections to ensure their safety and freedom.
the Role of Digital Platforms & Citizen Journalism
Despite the restrictions, digital journalism and citizen journalism have played a vital role in providing information from Afghanistan. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and encrypted messaging apps have become crucial channels for reporting and disseminating news, particularly for those unable to work through traditional media outlets. However, these platforms also present challenges, including the spread of misinformation and the risk of surveillance. Online journalism is a growing field, but faces unique challenges in the current Afghan context.
Key Takeaways for Media Professionals
* Risk Assessment: Journalists working in or reporting on Afghanistan must conduct thorough risk assessments before traveling or engaging in reporting activities.
* Security Protocols: Implement robust security protocols to protect sources and ensure personal safety.
* Digital Security: Utilize secure communication channels and practice strong digital hygiene to mitigate the risk of surveillance.
* Networking: Maintain strong networks with local journalists and human rights organizations to stay informed and access reliable information.
* Advocacy: Support organizations advocating for press freedom and the rights of journalists in Afghanistan.