ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has emphasised that girls’ education is a significant challenge of our time and called for extensive efforts by Muslim countries to address this issue.
Inaugurating the two-day International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities in Islamabad, he highlighted the importance of this cause, calling it one worth fighting for, investing resources in, and passionately advocating.
The conference was attended by 150 ministers, dignitaries, and representatives from 47 countries and various organisations.
The Prime Minister emphasised that millions of young girls entering the workforce over the next decade have the potential to uplift not just their families and nations but also contribute significantly to the global economy.
He underscored the importance of respecting women’s rights, supporting their aspirations, and removing cultural barriers that hinder their progress.
While acknowledging the Muslim world’s rich legacy, Shehbaz Sharif noted the significant challenges it faces, including Pakistan, in ensuring equal educational opportunities for girls. He stated that denying education to girls robs them of their voice, choice, and prospects for a better future.
Highlighting Pakistan’s educational challenges, he pointed out that women constitute over half of the population, yet the female literacy rate remains at 49 per cent. Additionally, 22.8 million children aged 5 to 16 years are out of school, with a disproportionate number being girls.
The Prime Minister cited the establishment of Daanish Schools as a significant step in addressing these disparities. This initiative, aimed at providing quality education to underprivileged children in rural and underserved areas, is now being expanded to more remote regions, fostering a more inclusive future.
He also mentioned the government’s flagship youth program, which focuses on providing quality education, job creation, and opportunities like scholarships and vocational training in modern skills, including Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity. High-achieving students are also being awarded laptops under this initiative.
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Reinforcing the Islamic perspective on education, Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that the pursuit of knowledge is a sacred duty for all Muslims, irrespective of gender, as taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), referencing the contributions of prominent Muslim women such as Hazrat Khadija, who played a vital role during Islam’s early years.
He also paid tribute to Fatima Jinnah, who stood steadfastly with Quaid-e-Azam during Pakistan’s independence struggle, and Benazir Bhutto, the first female Prime Minister of the Islamic world.
The Prime Minister announced plans to present the Islamabad Declaration, signed at the conference, to the United Nations, including the Security Council, as a collective aspiration of the Muslim Ummah.
Following the Prime Minister’s address, an International Partnership Agreement was signed, symbolizing a shared commitment to advancing girls’ education.