At a recent conference in Islamabad, Lieutenant General Nigar Johar passionately discussed the critical importance of women’s education, emphasizing its power in shaping a better future for both individuals and society. Reflecting on her own experiences, Nigar Johar shared that she grew up in a society where gender-based discrimination was prevalent, and girls’ education was often sidelined. Yet, despite these challenges, education opened doors for her, enabling her to serve her country as a military officer.

Her speech underlined that the skills gained through education have propelled her to where she is today. She encouraged greater focus on the education of girls, noting that while the challenges are significant, the opportunities are vast.

Further, Nigar Johar called for greater investment in women’s education through the national budget and emphasized the need for education to be prioritized within government policies. She stressed that a change in societal attitudes toward girls’ education is necessary for long-term progress. Nigar also advocated for the inclusion of women in decision-making roles to ensure that policies addressing women’s education are comprehensive and impactful.

The conference also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Muslim countries, including Pakistan, in improving access to education for girls. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the hurdles but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to overcoming these barriers.

Lieutenant General Nigar Johar’s message was clear: the road to empowering women through education requires commitment from all sectors—government, society, and individuals. The time for action is now, and it starts with prioritizing girls’ education