Afghan President Hamid Karzai called Saturday on tribal and religious leaders to encourage the education of girls, a right which was denied to them under Taliban rule. Afghanistan’s leader, speaking at a ceremony marking the start of the country’s school year, also urged insurgent groups not to attack teachers and school children, saying that the country could only develop through the spread of education. “Most importantly, I call on the religious scholars and tribal elders who are present today in the ceremony to encourage the education of girls, Karzai said. “To encourage children towards education particularly the education of girls is vital and important.”
