Resignation and Scandal
Afghanistan’s top diplomat in India, Zakia Wardak, announced her resignation following reports of her involvement in a gold smuggling incident worth nearly $2 million. Wardak, who served as the Afghan Consul-General in Mumbai, stepped down after the controversy came to light.
Gold Smuggling Incident
Indian media reported that Wardak was apprehended at Mumbai airport with her son, carrying around 55 pounds of gold upon their arrival from Dubai. Despite her diplomatic immunity, the gold, valued at $1.9 million, was confiscated by authorities.
Impact and Consequences
Wardak’s resignation has left thousands of Afghan nationals in India without consular representation. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by diplomats from the former Afghan government following the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul.
Resilience of Afghan Embassies
Despite the Taliban’s control over some Afghan embassies abroad, several diplomats appointed by the former government continue to operate in a hybrid system, managing routine consular affairs. The situation underscores the complexities faced by Afghan diplomatic missions globally.