ISLAMABAD: Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL), on Sunday vowed to make the declaration of a global summit in Islamabad on girls’ education in Muslim countries a constitutional document of the MWL for “tangible” impact.
He expressed these views while addressing the concluding session of the two-day conference, titled “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” which was co-hosted by Pakistan and the MWL.
Over 150 representatives from 47 countries, including education experts, religious scholars, diplomats and politicians, attended the summit. It comes at a time when global leaders, organizations and activists are urging the Taliban to reverse their restrictive policies about women in Afghanistan.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the ‘Islamabad Declaration,’ a framework to address challenges in girls’ education in Muslim communities through gender-sensitive policies, resource mobilization, and strengthened international partnerships.
“The Muslim World League, along with its partners, commits to making the ‘Islamabad Declaration’ a constitutional document so the impact will be tangible,” the MWL chief said, adding that Islamic scholars addressed various misconceptions during the “exceptional and unified solidarity meeting” in Islamabad.
“Such a diverse group of scholars, with the presence of major Islamic jurisprudential councils, particularly the International Islamic Fiqh Academy under the OIC [Organiation of Islamic Cooperation], sends a strong message to the world about the unified stance of the scholars of the Islamic Ummah regarding girls’ education.”
The MWL chief said the Muslim world needed this collaboration for a unified voice reflecting Islam’s teachings.
“No one can claim to speak on behalf of Islam regarding this issue anymore as the scholars of the Ummah, supported by their jurisprudential councils, have delivered a clear and definitive statement,” he said.
“We do not address any specific individual or entity but speak to anyone opposing or hindering this cause, whether individuals or institutions, public or private.”
Muslim communities have often faced criticism for not providing sufficient opportunities to women in fields like education, though many of their countries have made significant strides in promoting women’s participation across various fields.
The issue of girls’ education has drawn heightened attention recently, particularly after Afghanistan’s interim administration, led by the Taliban, imposed restrictions on girls’ education, including shutting down secondary schools and barring women from attending universities.
On the first day of the conference, the secretary-general of the MWL, a Makkah-based non-governmental organization that represents followers of Islam around the world, said Islam places no restrictive conditions on girls’ education, and anyone opposing it deviates from the global Muslim community.
ISLAMABAD DECLARATION
The declaration emphasized that girls’ education is not only a religious obligation but also an “urgent societal necessity.”
“It is a fundamental right safeguarded by divine laws, mandated by Islamic teachings, reinforced by international charters, and well-established by national constitutions,” it said, calling for unified efforts to safeguard girls’ right to education and ensure their empowerment, and acknowledging that educated women play a pivotal role in fostering stable families and communities.
“This, in turn, promotes global peace, national harmony, and fortifies societies against challenges such as extremism, violence, crime, and atheism.”
Cautioning against extremist ideologies, the declaration said that issuing decrees and opinions, rooted in cultural norms and patterns, that obstruct girls’ education constitute a “regrettable perpetuation of societal biases against women.”
“Such actions represent a grave misuse of religious principles to legitimize policies of deprivation and exclusion,” it said.
The Islamabad Declaration urged mobilizing resources to support efforts to advance education through improved methods and content, with a particular emphasis on girls’ education, ensuring it is placed at the forefront of national priorities.
“Declaring that anyone who rejects or opposes these well-grounded Islamic religious principles is, by the consensus of this gathering as referenced in the preamble of this Declaration, considered outside the framework of the Islamic Ummah’s concepts and cannot be regarded as part of it,” it said, adding that it is essential to disavow such an ideology, whether they are an individual, an institution, or an entity, public or private.
At the end, the declaration stated that the MWL chief, being the initiator of the conference, will communicate all resolutions of the conference, oversee their implementation, and ensure the necessary financial and moral support.
The participants urged the initiator of the conference to establish a permanent committee to oversee the implementation of the outcomes of the event, including various agreements, which laid the foundation for an impactful action.
Yusuf Raza Gilani, chairman of Pakistan’s Senate, urged the Muslim world to embrace a comprehensive approach that combines collaborative action, resource development, and community engagement for girls’ education.
“I urge distinguished scholars and policymakers to translate the invaluable insights and lessons of this conference into tangible, impactful strategies that will inspire change,” he said at the concluding session.
Muslim World League pledges to make ‘Islamabad Declaration’ constitutional document for girls’ education
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Muslim World League pledges to make ‘Islamabad Declaration’ constitutional document for girls’ education

- The declaration was adopted at the end of a two-day conference in Pakistan on girls’ education in Muslim communities
- It outlines framework to tackle challenges in girls’ education through gender-sensitive policies, resource mobilization
Peace in Afghanistan necessary for regional stability, says Pakistani envoy amid surging tensions

- Muhammad Sadiq Khan is on a three-day visit to Afghanistan to discuss bilateral matters amid surging militancy
- Army says 16 militants attempting to enter Pakistan via Afghanistan gunned down in North Waziristan district
ISLAMABAD: Peace and progress in Afghanistan are necessary for regional stability, Pakistan’s special envoy Muhammad Sadiq Khan said on Sunday, amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries due to militancy.
Khan, Pakistan’s special representative to Afghanistan, is on a three-day visit to the country to discuss bilateral matters with Afghan officials. His visit takes place amid tense relations between the two countries due to a mix of security, political and border issues, with Islamabad accusing the Taliban-led interim government in Kabul of providing safe haven to anti-Pakistan militant groups facilitating cross-border attacks. Kabul has denied the allegations.
The friction escalated after a recent targeting of a passenger train in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Pakistani officials said the BLA fighters remained in contact with “handlers” based in Afghanistan during the attack that lasted for two days and involved hundreds of hostages.
“Peace and progress in Afghanistan is essential for regional stability,” Khan was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul on the occasion of Pakistan’s Republic Day.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan must synergize their efforts to foster regional economic development.”

The Pakistani envoy described Afghanistan as “one of the most important regional partners” of his country, stressing the need for both to work together to enhance bilateral trade and regional connectivity.
“Pakistan remains committed to a strong and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with Afghanistan,” Khan said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military said in a statement on Sunday that it gunned down 16 militants who attempted to cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan on the night between Mar. 22-23 in the North Waziristan district.
“Pakistan has consistently been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said.
“Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.”
The ISPR said Pakistan’s security forces are committed to securing its borders and eliminating “terrorism” from the country.
Pakistan’s ties with Afghanistan were also strained after the former launched a nationwide deportation campaign targeting undocumented foreigners, mostly Afghans, in November 2023, shortly after a series of deadly suicide bombings that officials blamed on Afghan nationals.
The move, which added to diplomatic tensions between the two countries, has so far led to the repatriation of more than 800,000 Afghans. Many of them had lived in Pakistan since fleeing the Soviet invasion of their country in 1979.
The Pakistani government earlier this month also directed Afghanistan Citizen Card holders to leave the country by March 31, warning they would face deportation if they failed to comply.
In Pakistani capital, Ramadan night festival showcases over 100 small businesses

- ‘Winter Fete Suhoor and Eid Night Bazaar’ event features businesses selling home decor, food, textiles and fashion accessories
- Entrepreneurs praise festival for helping establish relationships with potential customers, building brand awareness
ISLAMABAD: A vibrant Ramadan festival held in Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad this week featured over 100 small businesses and their products ranging from handcrafted textiles to homemade food items, bringing together entrepreneurs, food lovers and eager shoppers.
The ‘Winter Fete Suhoor and Eid Night Bazaar,’ initially conceived as an annual event, has now grown into a bi-monthly tradition. It offers a vital launching pad for startups and home-based businesses to showcase their products.
The latest edition of the festival was held at founder Sabeen Abdal’s house in Islamabad on Saturday, Mar. 22, from 6:00pm to 1:30am. It featured an eclectic mix of businesses selling home decor, handcrafted textiles, food items and fashion accessories.
“We started this as an opportunity for startups who don’t have storefronts to showcase their products,” Abdal told Arab News.
“There’s a big shortage of such events in our city, so now we host an event every two months,” she explained. “Many of our vendors are women-led businesses and startups, which makes this even more special.”

Zara Nadeem, an entrepreneur whose business specializes in wardrobes and home decor, agreed. She said the festival was an opportunity for entrepreneurs such as herself to engage with potential customers.
“Events like this help us create brand awareness and consolidate our brand,” Nadeem, who recently opened her first showroom, said.
“We are trying to shift the mindset that quality only comes from imported products. We want to produce high-quality items locally in Pakistan.”

Jumana Vijlani, an entrepreneur who recently launched her fashion jewelry business, said the festival was proving to be a stepping stone for her to gain much-needed brand exposure.
“We are a new startup, and it has only been a few months since we began,” Vijlani said. “Events like these provide us with much-needed opportunities to advertise and boost our sales.”
Beyond shopping, the festival served as a lively social gathering where visitors connected with friends and family while supporting small businesses.
The food stalls were a major attraction, offering popular Ramadan treats such as dahi bhallay, chaats, and traditional teas.
Hina Raza, the owner of a home-based food business, shared how such festivals play a crucial role in motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking after leaving her teaching career.
“A year ago, I left teaching to pursue this full-time, and events like this not only help us financially but also motivate and uplift us,” Raza said.
Pakistan PM says will announce relief in electricity costs ‘soon’

- Shehbaz Sharif chairs high-level meeting on matters relating to Pakistan’s Power Division
- Pakistan’s energy sector has struggled with financial strain due to circular debt, power theft
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday he would “soon” announce a comprehensive package providing relief to the masses in terms of electricity prices, state-run media reported.
Pakistan has aggressively pursued reforms in its energy sector, which has long struggled with financial strain due to circular debt, power theft and transmission losses. These problems have led to blackouts and high electricity costs in the country.
Sharif chaired a meeting in Islamabad to review matters related to the Power Division on Sunday, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says a comprehensive package will be announced soon to provide relief to the public in electricity costs,” the state broadcaster said.
Sharif said his government would be able to provide more relief to the people in prices of electricity due to its recent power reforms.
He directed authorities to expedite the process of privatizing power distribution companies, urging them to resolve legal or other matters relating to the liquidation of power generation companies.
The Pakistani premier said promoting renewable energy was a “priority” of his government, clarifying that there is no change in the government’s policy on solar energy.
The clarification comes as Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) earlier this month revised the buyback rate for solar net-metering electricity from Rs27 per unit to Rs10 per unit, saying the move was intended to ease the burden on grid consumers.
Pakistan has sought to ease fiscal pressure aggressively in recent months by undertaking energy reforms that reduce tariffs and slash capacity payments to independent power producers (IPPs).
The federal cabinet approved a plan in January to renegotiate agreements with 14 IPPs in its bid to lower electricity costs and address the country’s mounting circular debt.
New Zealand hand sorry Pakistan biggest defeat to clinch T20 series

- New Zealand amass 220-6 before dismissing Pakistan for paltry 105 in 17th over
- Jacob Duffy claims 4-20, fellow seamer Zak Foulkes 3-25 to trigger Pakistan collapse
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand: New Zealand’s ruthless pace attack carved up Pakistan to deliver a crushing 115-run win in the fourth Twenty20 on Sunday and clinch the five-match series.
The home side moved 3-1 ahead after defending 220-6 in Mount Maunganui and then dismissing a ragged Pakistan for just 105 in the 17th over.
Jacob Duffy claimed 4-20 and fellow seamer Zak Foulkes 3-25 as Pakistan suffered their biggest T20 loss by runs against all nations, eclipsing a 95-run defeat against New Zealand in Wellington nine years ago.
The tourists were reduced to 9-3 after two overs with Duffy bagging two scalps in his first over, both caught by wicketkeeper Mitch Hay.
Duffy’s first victim was Hasan Nawaz for one, two days after the Pakistan opener blasted a maiden century in game three in Auckland to keep the series alive.
Teetering at 56-8, Pakistan’s innings had some credibility restored thanks to 44 off 30 balls from allrounder Abdul Samad.
The only other batsman to score in double figures was Irfan Khan with 24.
It was New Zealand’s second biggest T20 win by runs, nearly surpassing their 119-run drubbing of the West Indies in 2018, at the same Bay Oval venue.
Earlier, Finn Allen raced to 50 off just 20 balls, putting on 59 for New Zealand’s opening stand with Tim Seifert, whose 44 took 22 deliveries.
Seifert was the first of three batsmen dismissed by seamer Haris Rauf, who claimed 3-27.
Allen struck six fours and three sixes while captain Michael Bracewell was nearly as effective at the death, blasting 46 not out off 26 balls.
Game five is in Wellington on Wednesday.
Pakistan expresses solidarity with Niger after 44 killed in mosque attack

- Armed militants opened fire on worshippers in mosque at Niger’s Kokorou town on Friday
- Shehbaz Sharif says attack painful reminder “terrorism” recognizes neither faith nor humanity
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday condemned the mosque attack in Niger this week that killed at least 44 people, expressing solidarity with the African country as it reels from the tragedy.
At least 44 people were killed when militants opened fire on worshippers in a mosque on Friday in Niger’s rural border town of Kokorou, the country’s interior ministry said in a statement on Friday.
West Africa’s Sahel region, which includes Niger, has seen an uptick in violence in recent years following the rise of armed fighters linked to Al-Qaeda and Daesh groups that took over the territory in northern Mali after the 2012 Tuareg rebellion.
“Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Niger as they mourn the horrific loss of innocent lives in Kokorou, Niger,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X.
“The attack on worshippers, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan, is a painful reminder that terrorism recognizes neither faith nor humanity,” he added.
The African country said that the attack took place early in the afternoon as people were attending a prayer service at the mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Pakistani prime minister condemned the “barbarity” in strong words, saying that his country shares in Niger’s grief.
Niger’s defense ministry blamed the attack on Daesh affiliate EIGS in a statement late on Friday. EIGS did not respond to the allegations.
Niger frequently fights armed groups in the region, with civilians often becoming casualties of the violence.
Since July 2023, at least 2,400 people have been killed in Niger, according to ACLED, a non-governmental organization that gives armed conflict location and event data.