Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousufzai. PHOTO: AFP
However, social activists and residents in her hometown in Swat have not forgotten the sacrifices made by the 18-year-old education activist to foster education and peace in the region.
Speaking to The Express Tribune over the telephone, Swat Qaumi Aman Jirga Spokesperson Ahmed Shah said the people of Swat have realised Malala was making a valuable contribution to carve a bright future for the region.
“She is no longer criticised by her own people,” he said. “A large number of people who are educated and politically aware respect Malala’s contributions.”
According to Shah, Malala recently donated Rs60 million for the construction of a school in Shangla district. “The school will be set up through an NGO,” he said. “Land has been purchased and construction work will begin soon.”
Shah added the Nobel laureate had previously donated large sums of money for the education of underprivileged children in Swat and Shangla.“Malala is spending all the money she has received through international awards for the betterment of the people,” he said. “This is a positive sign and we salute her efforts.”
“There are countless people in Swat and Shangla who are endorsing Malala’s stance on education and peace and demanding education facilities for children,” he said.
Malala was 15 when Taliban gunmen shot her in the head on October 9, 2012. Last year she received the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Indian child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2015.
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