ISLAMABAD: On Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for the urgent prioritization of girls’ education in Muslim countries, describing it as one of the most pressing challenges of the time. Speaking at the opening of the two-day International Conference on “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” the Prime Minister urged global organizations, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs to collaborate in creating sustainable opportunities for women’s education.
The conference, held in Islamabad, was attended by ministers and representatives from 47 countries and organizations. PM Sharif emphasized that millions of young girls will enter the workforce in the next decade, with the potential to contribute significantly to social and economic progress. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that girls’ rights are respected and that cultural or social barriers do not hinder their aspirations.
Despite the rich legacy of the Islamic world, the Prime Minister pointed out that many countries, including Pakistan, face significant challenges in providing education to girls. He noted that in Pakistan, women make up half of the population, yet the female literacy rate stands at just 49%. Additionally, around 22.8 million children aged 5-8 are out of school, including a significant number of girls. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, safety concerns, and entrenched societal norms exacerbate the issue, creating a cycle of deprivation.
The Prime Minister also referenced the vision of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who emphasized the role of women in nation-building. He recalled that Jinnah had said, “No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you.” PM Sharif also highlighted the establishment of Danish schools during his tenure as Punjab’s chief minister, an initiative aimed at providing quality education to underprivileged children in rural areas.
The government is also committed to providing quality education and job opportunities through youth programs, including scholarships, vocational training, and skills development in fields like AI, data, and cybersecurity. PM Sharif reiterated that the pursuit of knowledge is a sacred duty for every Muslim, regardless of gender, as emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Prime Minister recognized the achievements of women throughout history, citing figures like Hazrat Khadijah (RA), Mohtarma Fatema Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto, and Arfa Kareem, who have broken barriers and made significant contributions in various fields. He also acknowledged the current leadership of women like Maryam Nawaz, who continues to inspire through her work in politics.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support of the conference and thanked the Muslim World League for its commitment to education. He also announced the signing of the Islamabad Declaration, aligning with the UNSC objectives and reflecting the collective aspirations of the Ummah.
Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasized that the government is working to increase the number of schools, with a focus on girls’ education, free transport, vocational training, and teacher development. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the OIC, stressed the importance of girls’ education for societal progress and expressed concern over the lack of education for girls in Palestine. Muhammad Bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, echoed the call for prioritizing girls’ education, emphasizing its obligation for both men and women.
The conference, attended by over 150 dignitaries, aimed to address the challenges and opportunities in advancing girls’ education in Muslim communities worldwide, fostering dialogue and actionable solutions.
