Zakir Naik Faces International Criticism Over Remarks on Girls’ Education

Controversial remarks by Islamic preacher Zakir Naik on girls’ education in Afghanistan have triggered widespread international criticism. Naik reportedly defended the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education, describing the restriction as merely a “postponement”. His comments have drawn strong objections from several prominent voices, who have criticised his remarks and questioned the justification for keeping girls away from education.

Malala Yousafzai’s father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, Afghan MP Maryam Solaimankhil and historian Ruchika Sharma are among those who have condemned Naik’s statements. According to UNICEF, around 2.6 million Afghan girls have been deprived of secondary education since September 2021. The issue has once again drawn international attention to the restrictions imposed on girls’ education in Afghanistan and their impact on the future of millions of young girls.