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| India-Pakistan |
| Pak PM condemns destruction of girls' schools |
| 2008-06-30 |
| (AKI) - Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani has strongly condemned the recent destruction of two dozen girls' schools by extremists and vowed to rebuild them to support women's education. "My government will redouble its efforts to banish illiteracy amongst women and empower them through education," Gillani said in a statement issued in Islamabad on Friday. According to a report on the Pakistani website, GeoTV, the prime minister has asked authorities to apprehend the extremists, who were responsible for the destruction of the girls' schools so they may be brought to justice. Gillani said that he is determined not to allow certain elements to change what is a moderate and tolerant society. He said that Pakistan was fully determined to move into the 21st century and help men and women to take advantage of available opportunities. The Prime Minister said that the role of women was fundamental to its development. No society can progress unless women are educated, empowered and given equal opportunities, he said. The Prime Minister said that he has also directed the Ministry of Education to launch a national campaign with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to educate people about the importance of women's education. More than 100 schools have reportedly been damaged in bomb attacks in the North West Frontier Province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas by pro-Taliban militants in the past year. |
| Posted by:Fred |