Taliban Minister Muttaqi to visit Taj Mahal, hold separate meeting with NSA Ajit Doval

New Delhi: Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Darul Uloom Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday, 11 October 2025. During this event, he was granted permission to use Hadith (Hadith-e-Sanad), allowing him to use Maulana and Qasmi before his name. This permission is considered highly respectable in Islamic teachings.

Muttaqi’s Deoband visit and female journalists

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, on Saturday, 11 October 2025, visited Darul Uloom Deoband, where, in a historic event, he was granted permission to use Hadith (Hadith-e-Sanad), allowing him to use Maulana and Qasmi before his name. This permission is considered highly respectable in Islamic teachings.

While there was some discussion in some circles about the veil requirement for female journalists, Darul Uloom spokespersons reiterated that this step was not taken out of discrimination, but rather to maintain religious decorum and discipline. The institution stated that female journalists were provided with all opportunities to report on the event, but their seats were assigned according to traditional rules. However, some female journalists, on condition of anonymity, reported that any female journalist who went there for coverage was seated in a separate, curtained room, citing their religion.

Muttaqi’s interaction with students  

The event was held in the large circular library in Deoband, where 15 prominent ulemas (Islamic scholars) were present. The entire event was planned under the supervision of Vice-Chancellor (Mohtamim) Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani. As Muttaqi arrived, students greeted him with cheers and applause. He praised the role of Darul Uloom, calling it a global centre of Islamic learning and a privilege to be there.

Darul Uloom Deoband seminary in Saharanpur is considered a centre of ideology and movement among Muslim communities worldwide. Darul Uloom Haqqania, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, was built on the Deoband model. It is also known as the “Taliban University.” Renowned Taliban commanders Mullah Omar, Jalaluddin Haqqani, and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar studied here

Muttaqi to visit Taj Mahal and meet NSA Doval

On Sunday, October 12, Muttaqi will visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. He will then attend a meeting with industry and business representatives in New Delhi, organised by a major chamber of commerce.

According to media reports, Muttaki may also have a separate meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. This meeting is likely to discuss issues related to security, counterterrorism, humanitarian aid, and visas for Afghan students and businessmen. Furthermore, the Taliban delegation may also discuss a proposal to expand its diplomatic presence in India(BHARAT).