Helmand elders want girls’ education in Islamic framework

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Tribal leaders in southern Helmand province on Saturday held a meeting to call on the caretaker government to provide education to girls in light of Islamic teachings.

In March, the acting government suspended the education of girls above 6th grade and about a month ago announced that girls could not attend universities until further notice.

To discuss the issue, a number of tribal leaders and religious scholars of Helmand province held a joint meeting here.

Haji Noor Ali, a participant of the meeting and a tribal leader, said that the government should provide education to girls according to Sharia.

Another tribal leader, Amir Muhammad, said education was mandatory for both men and women in Islam and the government should provide education to women.

He added half of the society was women and they were needed in various sectors, therefore they should be allowed to complete their education.

However, addressing the meeting, Helmand Ulema Council head Maulvi Mohammad Ismail welcomed the decree of the Islamic Emirate leader banning girls from universities and working in NGOs.

He said some countries were against the establishment of Sharia system in Afghanistan, but the Sharia system should be enforced by any possible means.

Higher Education Minister Sheikh Nida Mohammad Nadeem had cited the university curriculum for female students, mixing of genders in classes, girls staying in hostels and not wearing hijab as reasons for banning them from universities.

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