Response to Malala attack ‘turning point’ for Pakistan: father
A handout picture received from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital/University Hospitals in Birmingham on October 26, 2012, shows Malala Yousafzai sitting on her bed amid her mother Toorpekai Yousufzai (L), brothers Khushal Khan (3rd R) and Apal Khan (R) and father Ziauddin Yousufzai, at the hospital in Birmingham on October 25, 2012. —AFP Photo
LONDON: Pakistan’s response to the shooting of schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants was a “turning point” for the country, her father said Friday at the British hospital where is recovering.
“When she fell, Pakistan stood… This is a turning point,” said Ziauddin Yousafzai, who flew to Britain with other family members on Thursday to help their daughter’s recovery.
Malala Yousufzai, 15, was shot in the head by gunmen for raising her voice against the Pakistani Taliban and advocating “Western, secular” values.
The young activist was flown from Pakistan to the British city of Birmingham to receive specialist treatment after the attack, which drew widespread international condemnation.
Yousufzai said Friday his daughter was strong and would “rise again” to pursue her dreams after receiving treatment in a British hospital.
“They wanted to kill her. But she fell temporarily. She will rise again. She will stand again,” he said, his voice wavering and breaking with emotion as he spoke.
“It’s a miracle for us … She was in a very bad condition,” he told reporters, sitting alongside his son. “She is improving with encouraging speed.”
Yousufzai began standing up to the Pakistani Taliban when she was 11, when the Islamabad government had effectively ceded control of the Swat Valley where she lives to the militants.
She has been in critical condition since gunmen shot her in the head and neck as she left school in Swat, northwest of Islamabad.
British doctors say she has every chance of making a good recovery at the special hospital unit, expert in dealing with complex trauma cases.
Her father said he and his family cried when they were finally reunited with Malala on Thursday. “We are very happy,” he said. “I pray for her.”
I hope that the Government of Pakistan provides 24/7 protection to Malala’s family.
Once Malala recovers completely, don’t go back to Pakistan, I hope she settles in London or in U.S.
and pursue her education. Just do not go back, I hope her entire family leaves Pakistan because I do worry about their safety. May Allah protect and safeguard us all.
Eid Mubarak to beloved daughter, get well soon and may Allah bless you health and happniess
Father of Malala, you are the true icon for Pakistan, hats off for your grooming……………what a fantastic child gifted to this country. I salute you sir…………
Government nomination does not mean anything …………People nomination is the real nomination
I nominate Malala as “Daughter of Pakistan”………………….
Please join me giving her new name …
“Daughter of Pakistan”
Recover,get educated and live a long fulfilling life….good luck !
Malala is a gift to Pakistan as well as to the continent for her strong will to fight against her attackers. She is certainly a the future leader of Pakistan, who has ability to inspire others and stand up to injustice. Indian women should take her an example to fight against all kind of bullying. I wish all her the best for fast recovery and remain a source of inspiration to all
Down with terrorists, we are all with Malala
GOD BLESS U SISTER………
Eid Mubarak to beloved daughter, get well soon and may Allah bless you health and happniess
My eyes are wet with joy, seeing this photo of Malala getting better. Majority of Pakistanis surely must be on her side. If they stand up with her, the Talban will be history. It is upto them. Malala has shown them the way. May you live long kid, for I know you will contribute to humanity in years to come.
such a cute girl mashallah get well soon we are all praying for you
It is best to find permanent residence for Malala in a safe country from where she can continue her work for the promotion of girls education in Pakistan she will also be supported by many social organizations operating in the free world.If she returns the zaliman will eventually sneak in somehow and make another attempt to get her out of the way and her work will be left unfinished.
I read all the comments of various people, and was disappointed. Most of them are pointless and meaningless. No body talked about the problem and the solution.
Taliban is evidently a group of outlaws committing crimes in the country. Why can’t the government and the people stop this. It seems like Taliban are gorrilas from some other country fighting a gorrila war in Pakistan. It is completely legitimate for the pakistan army to take action.
Pakistani people are also responsible for it. Taliban are not hiding; they live among Pakistani people. Those people sympathise with them and support them. It is time that People and government wake up and jointly do some thing about it.
It is time that the menace of the terrorists is put to an end once & for all. All Pakistanis must be united and show their resolve in fight against fanatics, bigots and terrorists.
Let us hope Malala would recover fast. Let us pray for such a miracle. What an irony that her treatment and recovery are taking place in a such a far place,
Not sure if its turning point. No action has happened yet or will happen so not sure what has turned?
Eid Mubarak to all who share the pain of My Daughter (Malala) Allah will give full recovery do not give upmy child Blessing and Mercy of Allah be with and ur family.
This is the best news coming out of Pakistan in last few months. She will survive and Pakistanis will make sure that her sacrifies is not wasted.
Malala you are a giant amongst us.we are all so proud of you.what you have done for this confused country is un parallel . God bless you and i pray for myself and the country men of this land of pure the same courage that you have.
And for Mala’s father, thank you for the incredible upbringing and values that you have instilled in your kids,God bless your family