Zakia Wardak, the consul general of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in India, on Saturday, resigned from her post after she was caught by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) allegedly trying to smuggle 25 kg of gold worth Rs 18.6 crore from Dubai to India. Zakia Wardak took to her official X handle and shared her resignation letter along with her statement in Pasto, Giri, and English language. As per reports, Zakia Wardak was caught at the Mumbai Airport on April 25. Reportedly, the DRI officials received specific information about Wardak, after which they deployed several personnel at the airport. Below is what Zakia Wardak's resignation statement says-
"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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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 womer in leadership roles are supported and respected, where opportunities for progress are embrased rather than met with hostility and defamation. My commitment to advocating for positive change remains unwavering despite this decision."
How Zakia Wardak was caught at Mumbai Airport?
Zakia Wardak flew to Mumbai from Dubai on an Emirates flight along with her son around 5:45 pm. As per reports, Zakia Wardak and her son used the green channel at the airport - indicating they were not carrying any luggage that needed to be declared to customs. Therefore, Zakia Wardak's luggage - five trolley bags, one handbag, one sling bag, and a neck pillow - were examined and cleared. However, shortly after, the DRI officials stopped them to ask if they were carrying any dutiable goods or gold with them, but the duo denied it.
As a result, Zakia Wardak was taken to a separate room for a physical checking by a woman officer - during which the DRI officials found gold bars concealed in her jacket, leggings, knee caps, and waist belt. Thereafter, the Afghan diplomat was then reportedly asked to produce documents proving the legitimate possession of the gold, but she could not produce it. Hence, the officials seized the gold under a ‘panchnama’ and registered a case of gold smuggling under the Customs Act, 1962, against the Afghan diplomat. Zakia Wardak was not arrested as she enjoyed diplomatic immunity from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.