Islamabad: The declaration issued at the end of the 2-day international education conference on the theme of “Girls’ Education in Muslim Societies, Challenges and Opportunities” organized by the Islamic League and the Muslim World League has given a clear message that girls’ education is of great importance in Islam, it should not be defamed by extremist views and fatwas.
Thinkers and experts from all over the world, including the OIC, the United Nations, and the Islamic League, participated in this conference. Several agreements on girls’ education were signed at the conference. The conference declaration further stated that Muslim countries have taken steps in the right direction and appreciated girls’ education.
The participants described girls’ education as important not only religiously but also socially. The conference emphasized the importance of organizing the educational process in the light of Islamic teachings. The declaration also proposed providing educational scholarships to girls in societies with poverty and social challenges.
Delivering the keynote address at the closing session of the conference yesterday, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai said that the first revelation to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) reminds us that learning is the foundation of Islam. This is a message for all men, women, boys and girls to strive for progress and empowerment through writing, reading and learning. But the Taliban have taken away the right to education for a decade. They do not consider women as human beings.
The Taliban have enacted more than 100 laws to take away women’s rights. On the other hand, Israel has destroyed the entire education system in Gaza, including schools. 90% of universities there have also been destroyed. Palestinian children have lost their lives and their future. I will continue to raise my voice against these violations of international laws by Israel.
Malala Yousafzai said that I thank the Muslim World League for bringing us together here. I started my journey from Pakistan and my heart will always be in Pakistan.
While 120 million girls in the world do not go to school, 1.5 million in Pakistan do not go to school. Malala said that the purpose of this conference will not be fulfilled until we talk about the education of Afghan girls. The Taliban present their crimes as cultural and religious justification. We should make it very clear that there is nothing Islamic in this.
Women like Hazrat Ayesha and Fatima Jinnah are beacons for us. The role of women is as important as that of men for the improvement of the economy. It is time for Muslim leaders to show the world the true and positive image of Islam.
Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that the Muslim World League organized an educational conference on a very important topic. We are happy to hold the conference in Pakistan. Education plays the most important role in empowering women. Societies develop only because of education. We will make access to quality education possible for every girl in Pakistan.
Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that education is the key to development, our religious beliefs also make us aware of the importance of education, the importance of education for women’s empowerment and a better future cannot be denied, Malala Yousafzai is a role model for girls around the world regarding education.
I am grateful to the Muslim World League, who brought us together. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has said that acquiring knowledge is a duty for everyone, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was the first female Prime Minister of the Muslim world, we have to think beyond gender discrimination, the government will continue its mission until every girl gets an education.
Malala was awarded an honorary shield by the Muslim World League at the ceremony. On the closing day of the international conference, a simple but dignified ceremony was organized by Chairman Sen. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in honor of the conference participants, in which Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, Secretary General of the Muslim World League Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, former Prime Minister of Norway and famous singer Shahzad Roy, members of parliament and members of parliament and ambassadors from various countries participated.
The guests were welcomed with a red carpet at Parliament House. After the ceremony, Malala Yousafzai was also arranged to meet the orphan girls of Sweet Home.
