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| Woman's Battle for Education in Diamer Gilgit Baltistan |
Diamer, a deeply underdeveloped region of disputed Gilgit-Baltistan, has long suffered from a lack of educational opportunities. While recent progress has been made in educating men, women's education remains neglected. This disparity has left the women of Diamer deprived of basic educational facilities, perpetuating cycles of ignorance and underdevelopment.
A Beacon of Hope: One Woman's Mission
Amid this challenging landscape, an extraordinary woman from Diamer emerged as a ray of hope. With unparalleled courage and determination, she took up the mission of promoting girls' education in the region. Inspired by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who declared education a duty for both men and women, she sought to combat the social and systemic barriers hindering women's progress.
Fighting Against the Odds
Recognizing the lack of resources and societal resistance, she voluntarily began teaching at girls' schools when no one else was willing. Without any financial compensation, she went door-to-door advocating for the importance of education. Her grassroots efforts became the foundation for her larger mission: to provide golden opportunities for Diamer's girls to access education.
Breaking Barriers: Her Achievements
Her tireless work soon caught the attention of authorities, who appointed her as an Area Education Officer (AEO). Viewing this position as a sacred duty, she worked diligently to revive girls' schools in Diamer.
Establishing Educational Institutions
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Before her official role, she established 50 private educational institutions through personal efforts.
- As a government officer, she restored 10-15 government girls' schools, helping to educate thousands of girls.
- Her work directly benefited 6,000-7,000 girls, equipping them with the tools to change their lives and society.
Challenges and Adversities
Despite her noble mission, she faced severe opposition from extremist elements and self-proclaimed community leaders. These groups, ignoring Islamic teachings, issued threats against her for promoting girls' education.
Threats and Resistance
Undeterred by these threats, she continued her work with steadfast dedication. She overcame societal pressures and actively fought for the rights of girls to access education, proving that determination can triumph over adversity.
Support from Her Husband: A Unified Effort
Her husband, Comrade Numberdar Javed Qureshi, played a critical role in this struggle. As the Senior Vice Chairman of the Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan, he raised awareness among men, encouraging them to support women's education.
Targeted by Authorities
The couple’s activism drew the ire of authorities. She was demoted, transferred to another region, and ultimately dismissed from her position. Her bank accounts were frozen, and her husband was wrongfully imprisoned for advocating their cause. These injustices highlight the lengths to which authorities went to suppress their efforts.
A Call to Action: Reflecting on Injustice
The treatment of this brave woman and her husband raises significant questions:
- Why is promoting education and demanding rights considered a crime?
- Where in the Constitution does it justify punishing a wife for her husband's activism, especially when neither has committed a crime?
These actions are a grave disservice to the people of Diamer and Gilgit-Baltistan, where education is already scarce.
Appeal to Religious Scholars and the Community
I urge the religious scholars of Diamer to address this issue in the light of Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of education for all. It is the responsibility of society to stand against such injustices and support those who strive to bring positive change.
Written By: Comrade Mir Babar Hussain
Edited By: Waheeda Jammu Kashmiri
