Pakistani Clerics Say Banning Girls’ Education Has No Religious Justification

Pakistani religious scholars declared that banning girls’ education in Afghanistan has no religious basis, urging the Kabul administration to immediately reopen schools for female students.

A group of Pakistani religious scholars under the “Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam” umbrella criticized the Kabul administration on Monday for denying girls access to education. The meeting was held in Karachi and presided over by Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

In a statement issued after the gathering, the clerics stressed that “depriving girls of education has no justification in Islam” and urged the Kabul administration to immediately reopen schools and educational institutions to female students. They emphasized that education for both men and women is a “religious obligation,” warning that ongoing restrictions harm Afghanistan society, future generations, and the country’s international standing.

The clerics also condemned the use of Afghanistan territory for launching attacks against Pakistan and called for resolving disputes through dialogue. They denounced armed militancy and TTP activities inside Pakistan, describing them as both legally and religiously unacceptable. Maulana Fazlur Rehman added that regional tensions should be addressed through negotiations and restraint rather than military action.

Since returning to power, the Kabul administration has banned girls from attending schools beyond grade six, as well as universities and higher education institutions. This policy has drawn condemnation from Afghanistan citizens, the broader Islamic community, and the international community, all of whom have repeatedly called for the reinstatement of women’s educational rights.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) maintains a presence along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, complicating relations between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan has accused Taliban authorities of providing safe haven to TTP militants, a claim denied by the Kabul administration but partially confirmed by UN reports.

Pakistani scholars highlighted that continued restrictions on female education in Afghanistan violate Islamic principles and urged immediate corrective measures. They also emphasized the moral and social obligations of the Kabul administration to safeguard the rights of girls and women.

The clerics’ statement came amid heightened regional tensions following Pakistani military operations in Afghanistan border areas in recent months. These operations, intended to target TTP militants, have escalated cross-border clashes and strained bilateral relations.

Political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also urged both Pakistan and the Kabul administration to resume dialogue to resolve tensions and reopen border crossings, stressing the importance of trade and cross-border cooperation for regional stability.

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