The Afghan Taliban government is notably absent from a global summit on girls’ education in the Muslim world, being hosted by Pakistan. The event, which aims to address the challenges and promote the empowerment of girls in Muslim countries, is being held in Islamabad.
Speaking to AFP, Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui confirmed that an invitation had been extended to Afghanistan’s Taliban government. However, no representatives from the Taliban administration attended the summit.
The absence of Afghan officials comes at a time when the world is urging the Taliban to uphold women’s rights, particularly in the areas of education and employment. The exclusion of girls from secondary and higher education in Afghanistan has drawn widespread criticism from the international community.
The summit, attended by representatives from 44 countries and key international organizations, aims to foster collaborative efforts to advance girls’ education in the Muslim world. Pakistan’s leadership highlighted the importance of inclusivity in addressing this pressing issue.
Despite the Afghan Taliban’s absence, the conference proceeds with discussions on policies and initiatives to overcome barriers to education for girls. The event underscores the global commitment to ensuring education as a fundamental right for all.