NEW DELHI: Afghanistan’s embassy in India acknowledged the alleged smuggling of 25 kilograms of gold by the consul general of Afghanistan in Mumbai.
In the wake of a gold smuggling incident involving Zakia Wardak, the former consul general of Afghanistan in Mumbai, the Afghan embassy in India has issued a statement denying any association with Zakia Wardak.
The embassy clarified that Zakia Wardak is not affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s mission in the country. According to the statement, Wardak’s tenure with the mission concluded in November 2023. Furthermore, any activities allegedly undertaken by Wardak following her tenure have occurred independently and outside the official purview of the Afghan embassy.
The statement underscored that persons representing Afghanistan subsequent to Wardak’s departure are presumed to operate under the auspices of the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan. However, the Islamic Emirate has yet to offer any official comment on the matter.
The incident came to light following reports by The Times of India, which detailed Wardak’s interception at Mumbai airport while allegedly attempting to smuggle 25 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately 18.6 crore, from Dubai into India.
Despite multiple media outlets seeking clarification, Zakia Wardak has remained silent, declining to respond to inquiries from TOLOnews, an Afghan news agency.
