Zakia Wardak / Image: X (@ZakiaWardak)

Afghanistan's consul general in Mumbai, Zakia Wardak, has resigned following accusations of gold smuggling. 

This decision comes after Wardak was intercepted at Mumbai airport, allegedly attempting to smuggle 25 kilograms of gold. Officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) detained Wardak on Apr.25 upon her arrival from Dubai via an Emirates flight.

A physical inspection revealed that Wardak had concealed two dozen gold bars totaling 25 kilograms, with an estimated value of INR 18.6 crore (approximately US$2.2 million) under clothing. 

Despite the substantial seizure, Wardak, enjoying diplomatic immunity, evaded arrest. Reports suggest that she may have since left India, although this remains unconfirmed.

In response to mounting allegations, Wardak took to social media to announce her resignation from her post at the Consulate and Embassy of Afghanistan in India, effective May.5, 2024. However, her statement notably omitted any mention of the accusations of gold smuggling.

“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,” Wardak said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

 

Statement in Dari, Pashto & English. pic.twitter.com/pQwLCMun0O

— Zakia Wardak (@ZakiaWardak) May 4, 2024

Following the exit of most Afghan diplomats last year, Wardak, along with Afghan Consul General Sayed Mohammad Ibrahimkhil, assumed dual responsibility for maintaining embassy operations in New Delhi. The Afghanistan Embassy in India has distanced itself from the recent gold smuggling incident in Mumbai involving an Afghan citizen. In a series of tweets, the embassy clarified that the individual implicated has no affiliation with the former mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.  They emphasized that their diplomatic presence in India ended in November 2023 and any individuals claiming to represent the former Republic operated under the Taliban. The embassy played a pivotal role in catering to the consular needs of the Afghan community in India, including students. With Wardak’s resignation, Ibrahimkhil is now tasked with overseeing operations single-handedly. However, the fallout extends beyond diplomatic circles. Wardak's departure raises questions about the future of Afghan-Indian relations. India, aligning with international consensus, does not recognize the Taliban regime. 

“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 posted.

Following the exit of most Afghan diplomats last year, Wardak, along with Afghan Consul General Sayed Mohammad Ibrahimkhil, assumed dual responsibility for maintaining embassy operations in New Delhi.

The Afghanistan Embassy in India has distanced itself from the recent gold smuggling incident in Mumbai involving an Afghan citizen. In a series of tweets, the embassy clarified that the individual implicated has no affiliation with the former mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. 

We would like to address the recent incident in Mumbai concerning gold smuggling allegedly involving an Afghan citizen. We acknowledge the regrettable nature of this event. However,it is important to clarify that the former mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in 1/3

— Afghanistan Embassy in India (@AfghanistanInIN) May 4, 2024

They emphasized that their diplomatic presence in India ended in November 2023 and any individuals claiming to represent the former Republic operated under the Taliban.

The embassy played a pivotal role in catering to the consular needs of the Afghan community in India, including students. With Wardak’s resignation, Ibrahimkhil is now tasked with overseeing operations single-handedly.

However, the fallout extends beyond diplomatic circles. Wardak's departure raises questions about the future of Afghan-Indian relations. India, aligning with international consensus, does not recognize the Taliban regime.