INTERCEPTED FOR GOLD SMUGGLING, AFGHAN CONSUL GENERAL IN MUMBAI RESIGNS DUE TO 'PERSONAL ATTACKS'

Mumbai: Zakia Wardak, Afghanistan's Consul General in Mumbai, announced that she will step down from her role at the Consulate and Embassy of Afghanistan in India. Wardak said she has faced several "personal attacks and defamation" over the last year. Her announcement comes after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence intercepted her over alleged attempts to smuggle gold from India to Dubai. The gold she was allegedly trying to smuggle reportedly weighed 25 kg, and was worth 18.6 crore. She was not arrested as she enjoys diplomatic immunity.

She said that these attacks, which she claims were organized', have affected her ability to operate in her role and showcase the challenges faced by women in Afghan society who want to bring positive change amidst the "propaganda campaigns".

"It is with great regret that I announce my decision to step away from my role at the Consulate and Embassy of Afghanistan in India, effective May 5, 2024. Over the past year, I have encountered numerous personal attacks and defamation not only directed towards me but also towards my close family and extended relatives," Zakia Wardak said in her statement posted in X.

"These attacks, which appear to be organized, have severely impacted my ability to effectively operate in my role and have demonstrated the challenges faced by women in Afghan society who strive to modernize and bring positive change amidst ongoing propaganda campaigns," she added.

The diplomat also said that she was not prepared for how much the attacks, which she said were not surprising, affected those close to her. She added that the attacks had crossed the "tolerable threshold".

"While attacks on me and my character were not altogether surprising, as being in public life is something I had prepared myself for, I was unprepared for the toll it took on those close to me. It is not fair to subject them to such unwarranted and horribly unfair experiences," she stated.

"The persistent and coordinated nature of these attacks, aimed at defaming my character and undermining my efforts, have surpassed a tolerable threshold. It has become increasingly clear that the public narrative is unfairly targeting the only female representative within this system, rather than focusing on constructive assistance and support," she added.

Citing the need to look to out for her well-being, she said, "While it is my passion to serve my country and contribute to positive change, I find it necessary to prioritize my well-being and ability to function in a normal capacity. Therefore, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my current role."

Addressing the government of India and her experience in the country, Wardak said, "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for their warm welcome and unwavering support during my tenure. It has been a great privilege working alongside the people of India for the past three years. I am grateful for the collaborative efforts and shared vision for progress between our nations."

"I sincerely hope for a future where women in leadership roles are supported and respected, where opportunities for progress are embraced rather than met with hostility and defamation. My commitment to advocating for positive change remains unwavering despite this decision," the diplomat added.

(With Inputs From ANI)

2024-05-04T12:26:22Z dg43tfdfdgfd