A mifti is known as an Islamic scholar. In "I am Malala" the mifti is described as originally being against the notion that women could attend school. He gets angry when he finds out about a school that is participating in this 'blasphemous' activity. Soon after, however, he agrees to compromise on the issue so long as women are kept hidden from the men. This shows that the culture in Malala's homeland is in fact changing and progressing.