A delegation of Muslim clerics, which has visited Afghanistan, on Tuesday called for ensuring the right to education for every Muslim and emphasized the need for girls’ access to education in Afghanistan.

The head of the delegation, Sheikh Mohammad Saghir, said they have discussed education for women and girls in their meetings with the officials of the caretaker government. 

He said the Islamic Emirate assured that the existing problems would be removed. 

“We had meetings with all leaders of the Islamic Emirate. In these meetings, we discussed the issue of education. The minister of higher education has pledged not to deprive all Afghan men and women of education,” he said. 

“Education is necessary, therefore we call on the Islamic Emirate to pave the ground for the education of women as soon as possible,” said Mawlawi Hassibullah Hanafi, a cleric. 

Meanwhile, a number of female students expressed their concerns over their “uncertain” future after the closure of schools and universities. They urged the Islamic Emirate to reopen universities and schools for them.

“The closure of the universities has caused concerns including the uncertain future which is awaiting for us and which caused long-term psychological pressure,” said Khadija, a student. 

“We call on the Islamic Emirate to reopen schools and universities without any conditions because education is our right,” said Hassina Mutassim, a student. 

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation is due to hold a conference on Afghanistan on Thursday.

The meeting is aimed at discussing the recent decision of the Islamic Emirate about the ban on women’s education and working at NGOs. 

Secondary schools are already closed for girls over the past 480 days.