Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the critical need for Muslim countries to prioritize girls’ education, labeling it one of the most pressing challenges of today. Speaking at the opening of the international conference titled “Girls’ Education in Muslim Societies: Challenges and Opportunities,” the Prime Minister urged for large-scale initiatives to tackle the educational gap, especially for young girls in Muslim communities.
The two-day conference, held in Islamabad, brought together dignitaries, ministers, and representatives from 47 countries and various international organizations. PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to advancing girls’ education, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to improve access, especially in underprivileged regions. He underscored that education is a basic human right and essential for societal progress.
During his address, the Prime Minister drew on Islamic history, referencing notable women such as Hazrat Khadija and Fatima Jinnah, while also highlighting Benazir Bhutto’s achievement as the first female prime minister in the Islamic world. He also praised Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who was present at the event, describing her as a symbol of courage and resilience.
Malala, a keynote speaker at the conference, is in Pakistan for the third time since surviving an assassination attempt in 2012. Her presence at the summit signifies the importance of international support in the mission to provide equal educational opportunities for girls in Muslim societies.
