Zakia Wardak, the acting Ambassador of Afghanistan to India, resigned from her position following reports of her alleged involvement in gold smuggling from Dubai. The resignation came after she was reportedly caught at Mumbai airport last month, attempting to smuggle 25 kg of gold worth Rs 18.6 crore from the UAE capital.
In a statement posted on X, Wardak cited "numerous personal attacks and defamation" directed at her and her family, affecting her ability to function effectively as an Afghan diplomat. Although she did not directly address the reports of gold smuggling, she emphasized the impact of organized attacks on her character and her family's well-being.
Wardak expressed her passion for serving her country and bringing about positive change but highlighted the need to prioritize her well-being and ability to function normally in the face of persistent attacks. She thanked the Government of India and its citizens for their support during her tenure and emphasized her commitment to advocating for positive change despite her decision to resign.
Wardak assumed her role as acting Ambassador in New Delhi last November, following the closure of the Afghan embassy by the then-Ambassador Farid Mamumdzay, who moved to the UK. She was reportedly the sole woman Afghan diplomat and served in her position before the Taliban regained control in Afghanistan in 2021.
