Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has welcomed the final declaration of the Rābiṭat al-‘Ālam al-Islāmī Conference and reiterated that girls’ education is an undeniable right. He emphasized that barring access to education is “against national interests and the country’s supreme priorities.”
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account today, Monday, January 13, Karzai highlighted the critical role of women and girls in nation-building, social stability, and public welfare. He called on the Taliban to reopen schools and universities for girls without delay.
Karzai underlined the importance of creating educational opportunities for the youth, noting that reopening schools and universities would revive hope for a dignified life in Afghanistan and curb the widespread migration of citizens. He stated that only by relying on the talents and knowledge of its youth can Afghanistan advance toward progress, development, and self-reliance.
This statement follows remarks by Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, who declared that there is no religious basis for barring girls from education in Islam.
Speaking at a special session in Islamabad, focused on girls’ education in Islamic societies, Al-Issa challenged the Taliban's narrative, stating:
"Those who block girls' education in the name of Islam are offering a misinterpretation of religion. Education for women and girls is not only their right but also essential for the advancement of Islamic societies."
Despite such calls, girls’ education in Afghanistan remains banned, with the Taliban showing no signs of reversing their decision.
