Al-Azhar has been coming out with a lot of un-orthodox verdicts for a few years now.
I wouldn't be surprised if Al-Azhar is headed by an Agha-Khani doing Taqqiyyah.
I'm not an authority to say if Niqaab is neccesary or not but if the girl wants to wear it he has no right to stop her.
Makes one greatful for the religious freedoms of Great Britain where I can sue my boss for religious discrimination if he tells me to shave my beard, take my skull cap off or stops me praying in the workplace.
Seems that muslim's interests are more secure in kuffar's hands rather than muslim's. dont U agree?