Word on the street: “What was Malala’s sin?”

Published October 10, 2012
Bina, a banker, says "We can't expect anything from this ignorant government, there is nothing they can do - things have gotten worse in this regard since they came into power... We hope that Malala gets better soon and recovers."
Bina, a banker, says "We can't expect anything from this ignorant government, there is nothing they can do - things have gotten worse in this regard since they came into power... We hope that Malala gets better soon and recovers."
Ali Khan, an economics college graduate says "This case should be investigated thoroughly, and the attack condemned as much as possible. Steps should be taken to collaborate with local government to depoliticise the law enforcement and end militant activity. It is clear that these people are against education."
Ali Khan, an economics college graduate says "This case should be investigated thoroughly, and the attack condemned as much as possible. Steps should be taken to collaborate with local government to depoliticise the law enforcement and end militant activity. It is clear that these people are against education."
Saeed Afridi, a business contractor says "Malala is an asset for our future, she could have brought so much for us as a country. Such people do not come often, we will need people like her to make a better future. I pray to Allah that she recovers and regains her health."
Saeed Afridi, a business contractor says "Malala is an asset for our future, she could have brought so much for us as a country. Such people do not come often, we will need people like her to make a better future. I pray to Allah that she recovers and regains her health."
Zubair Khan, a cobbler says "The government should work harder against Talibanisation. No country can progress without education because it is essential to progress. Attacking students is an extremely condemnable act."
Zubair Khan, a cobbler says "The government should work harder against Talibanisation. No country can progress without education because it is essential to progress. Attacking students is an extremely condemnable act."
Behram, an unemployed customer at a newspaper stand said "The media seems to have no trouble reaching the TTP, they can find them and ask them questions - So why can't the government find them? Why don't they take action against them? Malala is our daughter, our sister, she belongs to Pakistan. What was her sin? My message to the government is 'Think of something other than your seats of power. Don't be blind! Open your eyes! Lest these waters overwhelm you!'"
Behram, an unemployed customer at a newspaper stand said "The media seems to have no trouble reaching the TTP, they can find them and ask them questions - So why can't the government find them? Why don't they take action against them? Malala is our daughter, our sister, she belongs to Pakistan. What was her sin? My message to the government is 'Think of something other than your seats of power. Don't be blind! Open your eyes! Lest these waters overwhelm you!'"
Abbas Ali, who works at a restaurant says "This is a huge loss for women. The government should ensure that this doesn't happen again. Women are our mothers, our daughters and the greatest of our teachers. We must give them their rights!"
Abbas Ali, who works at a restaurant says "This is a huge loss for women. The government should ensure that this doesn't happen again. Women are our mothers, our daughters and the greatest of our teachers. We must give them their rights!"
Amal, a student who did not want to be photographed said "We must end this terrorism, but I don't think I have any hope from the government. "
Amal, a student who did not want to be photographed said "We must end this terrorism, but I don't think I have any hope from the government. "
Alishpa, a teacher who did not wish to be photographed said "The government should take care of her medical and health concerns now, and support her in her uncertain future. I pray to Allah for her health."
Alishpa, a teacher who did not wish to be photographed said "The government should take care of her medical and health concerns now, and support her in her uncertain future. I pray to Allah for her health."

A day following the attack on teenaged Malala Yousufzai, Dawn.com stepped out in Karachi to absorb the word on the street. And there were no surprises. From students to restaurant owners, cobblers and teachers, all of the people interviewed voiced their condemnation for the attack and questioned the government’s failure to prevent such acts of terror. “If the Taliban can speak to the media, why is it so hard for the government to catch them,” they asked. Some called the teenager from Swat their daughter and their sister. Others highlighted the importance of education and people like Malala who promote it, in this fight against terror and ignorance. - Photos by Zehra Naqvi, interview by Nadir Siddiqui /Dawn.com

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