PM stresses urgent need for Muslim countries to address girls' education challenges

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasised the urgent need for Muslim countries to prioritise girls’ education, calling it one of the most significant challenges of the time.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day international conference titled "Girls’ Education in Muslim Societies: Challenges and Opportunities," the premier highlighted the necessity of large-scale initiatives to address the issue, Express News reported.

The conference, held in the federal capital, was attended by ministers, dignitaries, and representatives from 47 countries and various organisations.

PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing girls' education by mobilising all resources and taking necessary measures. He stressed that education is a fundamental requirement for every society and called for collaborative efforts to enhance access to education for girls in underprivileged nations.

Highlighting the significance of education in Islam, the prime minister referenced historical contributions by figures like Hazrat Khadija and Fatima Jinnah, alongside the achievements of Benazir Bhutto as the first female prime minister of the Islamic world.

He also lauded Malala Yousafzai’s participation in the conference, describing her as a symbol of resilience and determination.

During his speech, the prime minister addressed the audience in Arabic, receiving applause from the attendees.

Malala in Pakistan for summit

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai is in Pakistan to attend the International conference on girls' education in Muslim communities.

Malala is one of the keynote speakers at the two-day conference in Islamabad.

This is Malala's third visit to Pakistan since she was flown to Britain for life-saving treatment in October 2012. She visited Pakistan in October 2022 to travel to her hometown for the first time since she was attacked.

Malala was just 15 years old when the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) shot her in the head over her campaign for girls' education.