Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the critical importance of prioritizing girls’ education in Muslim countries, describing it as one of the most pressing challenges of today.
In his remarks at the opening of the two-day international conference titled “Girls’ Education in Muslim Societies: Challenges and Opportunities,” the prime minister called for extensive initiatives to tackle the issue, according to Express News.
The conference, which took place in the capital, saw participation from ministers, dignitaries, and representatives of 47 countries and various organizations.
PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to advancing girls’ education by mobilizing resources and taking the necessary steps. He emphasized that education is fundamental to any society and urged for collective efforts to improve access to education for girls in disadvantaged countries.
The prime minister also highlighted the importance of education in Islam, mentioning the historical contributions of figures like Hazrat Khadija and Fatima Jinnah, as well as the pioneering role of Benazir Bhutto, the first female prime minister in the Islamic world.
He commended Malala Yousafzai’s involvement in the conference, praising her as a symbol of resilience and determination.
The prime minister also addressed the audience in Arabic, which was met with applause.
Malala Yousafzai, in Pakistan for the summit, is one of the keynote speakers at the event.
This marks Malala’s third visit to Pakistan since she was flown to the UK for life-saving treatment in 2012. Her previous visit in October 2022 was to return to her hometown for the first time since she was attacked by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for her advocacy for girls’ education when she was 15.
