Pakistani Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has returned to London after her nostalgic visit to her hometown in Pakistan last week. Malala's recent visit was her first to the country since she was shot in the head by Taliban almost five years ago for campaigning for female education.
Malala's visit to Pakistan, which was spread across four days, was kept a secret from the media and no one knew of it until she landed in Islamabad. The 20-year-old met Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and made an emotional visit to her hometown in Mingora of Swat district before heading back to London with her parents.
“My plan is to return to Pakistan as this is my country,” Malala told Geo News in an interview. “I have the same right on the country as any another Pakistani.” She also spoke about her mission to provide quality education to the children in Pakistan and said every girl should be given the opportunity to fulfill dreams and become a part of society.
Malala also pointed out that there was a difference in the Pakistan of 2012 and 2018. “Certainly there is a difference and things are improving. People in our country are uniting for a better Pakistan. People are active, which is a very good thing,” she said.
In October 2012, a 15-year-old Malala was shot in the head by Taliban as she was returning from her school in Swat valley.
She suffered bullet injuries and was admitted to the military hospital in Peshawar but was later flown to London for further treatment. The shooting attained international condemnation and Malala became a symbol of resistance to the Taliban’s efforts to prevent women from getting an education.
In 2014, at 17-years-old, Malala became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote girls’ education and basic rights.
Zia Yusuf
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