Ms Wardak had been intercepted at the Mumbai airport with 25 kg of gold.
New Delhi:
After being intercepted at Mumbai airport with 25 kg of gold valued at about Rs 18 crore, Afghanistan’s Consul General in Mumbai, Zakia Wardak, has decided to step down. She cited “personal attacks and defamation” as reasons for her resignation, pointing out the challenges faced by the only female representative within the diplomatic system.
Interception at Mumbai Airport
Ms. Wardak was intercepted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in the last week of April with the gold from Dubai. Though the gold was seized and a case was registered, she was not arrested due to diplomatic immunity.
Background and Appointment
Zakia Wardak was appointed by the previous Ashraf Ghani government in Afghanistan, which was replaced by the Taliban in 2021. Despite the change in government, India continued to work with the appointees of the previous regime.
Reasons for Stepping Down
In her statement, Ms. Wardak mentioned facing personal attacks and defamation directed not only at her but also at her family and relatives. She expressed the impact of such attacks on her ability to perform effectively in her role and highlighted the challenges faced by women in Afghan society striving for modernization and positive change.
Gratitude and Hope for the Future
While thanking the Indian government for their support during her tenure, Ms. Wardak emphasized the need for support and respect for women in leadership roles. She expressed her commitment to advocating for positive change despite her decision to step down.
Ms Wardak had been intercepted at the Mumbai airport with 25 kg of gold.
New Delhi:
After being intercepted at Mumbai airport with 25 kg of gold valued at about Rs 18 crore, Afghanistan’s Consul General in Mumbai, Zakia Wardak, has decided to step down. She cited “personal attacks and defamation” as reasons for her resignation, pointing out the challenges faced by the only female representative within the diplomatic system.
Interception at Mumbai Airport
Ms. Wardak was intercepted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in the last week of April with the gold from Dubai. Though the gold was seized and a case was registered, she was not arrested due to diplomatic immunity.
Background and Appointment
Zakia Wardak was appointed by the previous Ashraf Ghani government in Afghanistan, which was replaced by the Taliban in 2021. Despite the change in government, India continued to work with the appointees of the previous regime.
Reasons for Stepping Down
In her statement, Ms. Wardak mentioned facing personal attacks and defamation directed not only at her but also at her family and relatives. She expressed the impact of such attacks on her ability to perform effectively in her role and highlighted the challenges faced by women in Afghan society striving for modernization and positive change.
Gratitude and Hope for the Future
While thanking the Indian government for their support during her tenure, Ms. Wardak emphasized the need for support and respect for women in leadership roles. She expressed her commitment to advocating for positive change despite her decision to step down.
