March 14, 2022
2 mins read

Afghanistan to close down Washington embassy

The Afghan diplomats in the US have been informed via a memo earlier that they would be stripped of their immunity….reports Asian Lite News

Without the backing of a recognized government or money to keep the lights on, Afghanistan’s embassy in Washington will be shutting down in the coming week.

The Afghan diplomats, appointed by the former government, are now left with one month to apply for residency or temporary humanitarian parole to remain in the US before being deported as they could be under threat by the Taliban-led government if they return home.

About 25 diplomats of the estimated 100 who worked at the Afghan Embassy in Washington have still not applied for the visas, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Friday citing two US State Department officials.

After Citibank froze the embassy’s bank accounts to avoid violating American sanctions against the Taliban, the Afghan diplomats were left with no money or savings as they were not paid since October. To survive in the US, they have been living on savings or forced to borrow money, NYT reported.

Afghanistan-Child marriage

The Afghan diplomats in the US have been informed via a memo earlier that they would be stripped of their immunity.

Washington’s move comes less than six months after the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the fall of Kabul to the Taliban.

The Taliban, who seized power last August, is not recognized by the international community, including the US, and they have not fully gained control of diplomatic missions set up under the previous government.

‘Protect women rights if govt wants recognition’

US State Department’s special representative for Afghan women, Rina Amiri, has said that the Taliban must protect women’s rights if it wants recognition by the international community, local media reported.

The Taliban should respect the rights of women, girls, minorities, and all the people living in the country, Khaama Press quoted Amiri as saying during an interview with Voice of America.

The envoy added that Afghan women should not only work in the health and education sector but in all sectors of public life.

“Afghan women should be allowed to participate in all peaceful demonstrations. The women should have the freedom of expression, freedom of travel, and all those freedoms that Islam has given to women and Afghanistan are bound to,” the media outlet quoted her as saying.

Notably, the Taliban regime which took over Kabul in August last year has curtailed women’s rights and freedoms, with women largely excluded from the workforce due to the economic crisis and restrictions.

However, the Taliban has accused the previous Afghan government backed by the International Community of providing sham rights to women and depriving them of the real rights of women, according to the media outlet. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Afghanistan receives $32 mn in cash aid

Previous Story

India mulls Rupee payments for trade with Russia: Report

Next Story

High food prices hit local people’s life in Kabul

Latest from -Top News

WAVES 2025: Jaishankar Advocates Cultural Pluralism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the WAVES 2025 Global Media Dialogue, highlighting the significance of cultural pluralism in shaping global change. Speaking on the second day of

India Eyes Supply Chain Shift

India’s electronics manufacturing sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, positioning the country as a major global hub for production and supply chain diversification. Riding on favourable government policies, geopolitical tailwinds, and a

Carney Confirms May 6 White House Visit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Washington on May 6 for a high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump, just days after taking office following a contentious federal election. Speaking

Rubio Backs AfD, Slams Berlin

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly criticised Germany for officially classifying the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as an extremist organisation, accusing the German government of undermining democracy under

India Bans All Pakistan Imports

In a sharp escalation of diplomatic hostilities, India has banned all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan with immediate effect, following the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region that
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Russia arms Tajikistan

Calling Tajikistan a reliable and close ally of Russia, the

US Nationals Detained in Afghanistan

Mujahid also said that in other countries, if Afghan nationals