GIRLS schools have been repeatedly targeted by extremist outfits in restive and volatile regions of the country. These incidents underline the simply fact that misogyny and patriarchal mindsets have remain rooted in society, and it will never be not easy to do away with the ills that have stymied national progress.

The country is in the grip of a new wave of radicalism and extremism, and there are elements that cannot see women obtaining their inalienable right to education. They fear that education would make them informed individuals who will eventually challenge and shake the status quo.

The government should immediately trace and apprehend the miscreants who are involved in setting girls schools afire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan in an attempt to frighten the people into submission, and stop sending their daughters to schools.

Progressive elements in society should denounce such evil and malicious designs of mischievous persons who are actually themselves victims of obscurantism and ignorance. In fact, such incidents must act as a catalyst to redouble our efforts for bridging the gap of gender disparity.

Moreover, the government should deal with the menace of extremism and fanaticism that is ripping apart the social fabric. It should take steps to enlighten the dark minds with the light of knowledge. It is only on the basis of education that we may win the battle against extremism.

Asma Qasim
Quetta

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2024