Kabul: Afghanistan's Consul General in Mumbai, Zakia Wardak, resigned on Saturday, citing "unfair targeting" and "defamation" following an incident where the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted her with 25 kg of allegedly smuggled gold worth over Rs 18 crore at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Last week, Wardak, 58, was caught with foreign-origin gold while traveling from Dubai to India. Due to her diplomatic immunity, she was not arrested. Wardak arrived in Mumbai on an Emirates flight from Dubai on April 25 and opted for the green channel, indicating she had nothing to declare.

Acting on specific inputs, DRI officials stopped Wardak before she could exit the airport premises and insisted on an examination. Though nothing was found in her baggage, a personal examination led to the recovery of over two dozen gold bars allegedly concealed in her jacket, leggings, kneecaps, and waist belt.

The gold was seized as Wardak could not furnish any document to confirm its legitimate source.

In her resignation statement posted on social media platform 'X' on Saturday, Wardak said, “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.”

She added, “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,” Wardak concluded.

Usually, anti-smuggling agencies arrest a suspect if found in possession of smuggled gold worth more than Rs 1 crore. However, due to Wardak’s diplomatic immunity, she was slapped with a notice and allowed to leave.

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