MINGORA, Feb 5: People of Swat have greeted rights activist Malala Yousufzai over successful surgery and said they would carry forward her mission to promote girls education in the region.

Malala, who was shot by the Taliban in October for campaigning for girls’ education in Swat, underwent cranial reconstruction and a procedure for a cochlear implant at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham in what doctors hoped will be last round of her operations.

The leaders of Swat Qaumi jirga, schoolmates, well-wishers and people of all walks of life greeted Malala and her father Ziauddin on the successful operation. They prayed for her immediate recovery and vowed to carry forward her mission of promoting education among girls in Swat.

Khurshid Kakji of Swat Qaumi Jirga declared Malala daughter of Swat and said: “Malala is a brave and courageous girl. People of Swat pay salute to her for her vision. We are proud of her and pray for her good health.”

Mr Kakji said Malala’s father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, was the spokesman for Swat Qaumi Jirga before his daughter was targeted by the Taliban. He also praised students Kainat Riaz and Shazia Ramazan, who, too, suffered injuries in the Oct 2012 Malala attack.

He said despite threats, these girls were still continuing their education.

The Swat Qaumi Jirga representative said the jirga condemned violence in all its forms and manifestations and would use all possible resources and means to promote girls education.

He said the girls education was the need of the hour and the people should concentrate on providing all facilities and support to their daughters in getting education.

Kainat Riaz told Dawn: “God has given second life to my colleague Malala Yousufzai due to the prayers of her supporters and well-wishers. The whole nation including men, women and children are happy with her fast recovery.”

She said: “We are happy that she is getting better day by day. The schoolmates are missing her. Malala’s mother is in constant contact with us. She has told us that Malala will definitely come to Swat soon after complete recovery.”

Kainat said like Malala, she thought that girls’ education was vital for a peaceful and civilised society.

She said she wanted each and every girl to get education and play due role in national development.

“Without education no country can make progress. Girls education is the only solution to the present crisis being faced by the nation,” she said.

Shazia Ramazan, grade 8th student, who got injuries in Oct 9 attack along with Malala, said it was a good news that Malala was fast recovering.

She said Malala was her best friend and she was anxiously waiting for her homecoming. She also vowed to get education and carry on mission of Malala Yousufzai.

Riaz Khan, who is a schoolteacher and father of Kainat, said Malala Yousufzai was like her daughter. He said Malala’s successful surgery was result of the prayers of the people of Pakistan, including those from Swat. He wished her early recovery.