Kabul: Zakia Wardak, the consul general of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Mumbai, resigned from her post following revelations of an attempted gold smuggling incident, as reported by an Indian media outlet. The startling news emerged after Wardak was intercepted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at the Mumbai airport last week.
Accused of trying to smuggle 25 kg of gold worth Rs 18.6 crore from Dubai to Mumbai on April 25, Wardak faced immediate repercussions, prompting her resignation announcement on social media platform X. The incident drew widespread attention after it was exposed by a prominent Indian media outlet.
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In her resignation statement, Wardak cited relentless personal attacks and defamation directed not only at her but also at her close family and extended relatives over the past year. She highlighted the challenges faced by women in Afghan society striving for modernization and positive change amid organized propaganda campaigns.
Meanwhile, DRI officials are conducting investigations into the destination of the gold seized from Wardak.
Wardak, aged 58, arrived in Mumbai from Dubai with her son on an Emirates flight. Passing through the green channel, indicating no goods to declare, they were halted by DRI officials near the airport exit. Subsequent examination revealed concealed gold bars, each weighing a kilogram, hidden in Wardak’s customized clothing, including her jacket, leggings, knee caps, and waist belt. Despite the discovery, Wardak, benefiting from diplomatic immunity, was not arrested. No contraband was found on her son.
In her resignation letter, Wardak emphasized the need to prioritize her well-being and functional capacity over her passion to serve her country and contribute to positive change, prompting her difficult decision to step down from her current role.
