By Junaid Toru
A multi-party convention on girls’ education was organized by Blue Veins, with the support of Malala Fund, bringing together representatives from major political parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Pakistan Mazdoor Kisan Party.
Consensus on SDG-4 and girls’ education priorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The convention concluded with a consensual statement reaffirming that quality education under SDG-4 is a priority of Pakistan’s National SDGs Framework 2030, with a strong gender focus. Participants emphasized that girls’ education is a key development priority for the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as many girls from poor households remain at risk of exclusion from schooling.
Political parties representatives and Members of the Provincial Assembly pledged to support girls’ education through resolutions, increased investment, and the provision of missing facilities.
Policy demands highlighted at the Convention on Girls’ Education
The statement called for equitable, gender-responsive policies; continued allocation of 70% of the education development budget to girls’ education; expanded social protection; improved digital access; and stronger oversight to ensure effective use of education budgets, guaranteeing equal access to quality education for all girls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Religious and government perspectives on girls’ education
Professor Ibrahim Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami stated, “Islam places great emphasis on knowledge for all. Investing in girls’ education is not only a constitutional responsibility but a moral obligation that strengthens families, communities, and society as a whole.”
Zaheer Uddin Babar, Additional Secretary (Reforms & Implementation), Elementary and Secondary Education Department provided a detailed overview of key initiatives and schemes of the government, with a specific focus on girls’ education.
He noted, “The department is committed to introducing reforms and strengthening implementation mechanisms to improve gender parity and ensure that education investments translate into real outcomes for girls across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Women parliamentarians pledge oversight and budgetary support
In a joint statement, women parliamentarians Amna Sardar, Shazia Tehmas, Rehana Ismail, Shagufta Malik, and Aiman Jaleel affirmed, “Women parliamentarians, across party lines, are united in our commitment to improving girls’ education. We will play an active role in budget allocations and exercise strong oversight of education spending to ensure accountability and results.”
Call for collective political action beyond party lines
Concluding the convention, Qamar Naseem, Program Manager at Blue Veins and Malala Fund Education Champion, emphasized, “Girls’ education requires strong political will and collective action. Progress is only possible when all segments of government, political parties, and civil society work together beyond political divides.”
The convention marked a significant step toward cross-party collaboration to advance girls’ education and uphold Pakistan’s commitments under SDG-4 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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