AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, November 10, 2012 (PPI-OT): “Malala Day” is being observed today all over the world to show solidarity with the brave daughter of Pakistan Malala Yousufzai who stood defiantly to the militants to pursue her education and refused to bow to their threats and faced the bullets instead of giving up. Malala stands tall today as symbol of girl education and a symbol of defiance against those who wish to impose their obscurantist agenda behind the façade of religion.
On this occasion it is worth repeating what I said at an international conference recently about our daughter Malala.
“Malala Yusufzai is fifteen years old. Since she was eleven, she has been an advocate of education for girls. Malala is a symbol of all that is good about us.
Malala represents the resilience of our girls and women. The terrorists shot Malala in the head and neck. Her attackers aren’t just trying to kill the Daughter of Pakistan. They are trying to kill Pakistan. They didn’t stop at Afghanistan. They won’t stop at Pakistan. Attack on her is an attack on every child in our region. It is an attack on the future of our region. We cannot sit idly as our children are attacked. We must act. Urgently”.
The observance of the Malala Day today by the international community is a demonstration of the realization that the attackers of Malala would not stop at Pakistan and threaten the whole world. It demonstrates the commitment by the world community that no matter what the odds, together we will fights the militants and not let them succeed in their agenda. Malala has transcended from an individual to an idea and the observance today shows that the idea lives on.
To drive home the message and to reinforce the idea that Malala represents the Government of Pakistan on the eve of Malala day today launched special “Waseela-e-Taleem” initiative to give free education to the children particularly female children of the poorest of the poor families in the country. The more the militants strike the more we will rebound with determination, defiance and courage. Let there be no doubt or mistake about it.
On this occasion I wish to compliment the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Mooon for urging the international community to observe Malala Day today. I wish to congratulate Malala Yousafzai, her parents, and all those who fight for the cause for which Malala stood. I wish Malala early and complete recovery and thank the doctors in Pakistan and at the Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital who took care of her.
The Mission of Malala is fated to succeed.
For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com