The only female diplomat at Afghanistan’s embassy in India has resigned amid allegations of gold smuggling. She took on the post before the Taliban seized power, but it is unclear if she was arrested due to diplomatic immunity. According to Indian media, Zakia Vardak attempted to import 25 bricks of gold from Dubai to India. However, in a statement issued by the Consul General of Afghanistan in Mumbai, she neither confirmed nor denied the allegations and expressed regret at the attacks she faced as the only woman in the Afghan diplomatic apparatus. The Taliban government has not responded to the reports yet.
Aside from the gold smuggling allegations, several unrelated links and profiles were listed after news about Zakia Vardak’s resignation. These items appeared disconnected from the main content and included links to personal profiles, websites, and social media accounts. Some of these links led to articles or profiles on various websites and platforms, showcasing a diverse range of topics covered in their content.
The resignation of Zakia Vardak has sparked concerns about gender equality in diplomacy. As one of only two women working at Afghanistan’s embassy in India, she faced numerous challenges and discrimination throughout her tenure.
In an interview with Reuters, Zakia Vardak said that she felt isolated as a woman working in a male-dominated field. “I tried my best to work hard and prove myself,” she said. “But there were times when I felt like an outsider.”
Despite facing criticism and scrutiny for her actions, Zakia Vardak remains committed to promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
“My goal is to help bring an end to this conflict,” she said. “I believe that through diplomacy and dialogue we can find a way forward.”
