At a global conference in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz Sharif and Malala Yousafzai emphasize the urgency of addressing barriers to education for girls in Muslim nations.
Islamabad [Pakistan], January 12: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted a critical education crisis in Pakistan, revealing that over 22 million children, most of them girls, are out of school. Speaking at the “International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities” in Islamabad, he urged global and national leaders to prioritize education for girls.
The two-day conference, attended by leaders from Muslim-majority nations and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, aims to address the significant barriers to girls’ education and propose actionable solutions.
Staggering Statistics
During his address, PM Shehbaz stressed the urgent need to tackle the education gap:
- 22.8 million Pakistani children between ages 5-16 are out of school.
- Female literacy in Pakistan stands at just 49%, despite women comprising over half of the population.
“Denying education to girls is tantamount to denying them their voice and choice while depriving them of their right to a bright future,” he remarked.
Malala Yousafzai’s Advocacy
Malala Yousafzai, speaking at the event, stressed the importance of global accountability, particularly in Afghanistan, where girls face systemic denial of education.
“I will speak about protecting rights for all girls to go to school and why leaders must hold the Taliban accountable for their crimes against Afghan women and girls,” Malala shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Islamabad Declaration and Global Commitments
The conference will conclude with the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration, a commitment by Muslim nations to prioritize and promote education for girls.
This declaration will be presented to the United Nations as part of a collective effort by the Muslim Ummah to ensure equal education opportunities for all.
Additionally, an International Partnership Agreement was signed, pledging global collaboration to advance girls’ education.
Pathway to Change
PM Shehbaz emphasized that investing in education would unlock opportunities for young girls, lifting families out of poverty and contributing to economic growth.
“Girls’ education is not just about empowerment; it is the foundation for building a prosperous and sustainable future,” he said.
The conference serves as a clarion call for Muslim nations to unite in addressing educational inequities and ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.