Zakia Wardak, the Consul General of Afghanistan, tendered her resignation on Saturday, citing “unfair targeting” and accusations of “defamation.” This came after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai intercepted her last week at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with 25 kg of gold, valued at over R18 crore, allegedly smuggled. Wardak shared her resignation statement on ‘X’ on Saturday.

In a statement posted on X on May 4, Wardak said, “It is with great regret that I announce my decision to step away from my role at the Consulate and Embassy of Afghanistan in India, effective May 5, 2024. 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.”