ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s youngest Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai said on Sunday that the law and order situation prevailing in the country showed that peace had been restored completely.
“This was made possible only with the sincere efforts of security forces and great sacrifices of civilians and Pakistan Army. My return to Pakistan is actually a success of Pakistan’s war against terrorism,” she said in an interview with APP.
Malala praised the role of the government and Pakistan Army in restoring peace. “My dream of returning to Pakistan was fulfilled due to the government of Pakistan and Pak Army’s sincere efforts,” she said, adding, “It was my dream to go back to Pakistan which comes true now. I waited for this moment for several years, hoping one day to return.”
She said, “Now I can tell the whole world with more confidence that there is complete peace in Pakistan and my return to my country was a proof.”
She said now people could go to Swat, Hunza or anywhere in Pakistan as there was no terrorism and the people of Pakistan were welcoming and peace-loving.
Malala, appreciating the present democratic government on completing its constitutional tenure, hoped that the next democratic government would also complete its tenure in Pakistan.
She said there was a great responsibility on Pakistani politicians’ shoulders and they needed to include the problems of the people in their parties’ manifestos ahead of the next election. Malala urged the political parties to extend bipartisan support to issues in the education and health sectors.
She appealed the political leaders to ensure inclusion of matters like girls’ education in their manifestos and make plans to ensure girls’ access to primary, secondary and higher education. She said, “Now a days, my focus is on my education, besides ensuring that every girl has right to higher education and to make her future on her. This approach is not only beneficial for a girl but also for entire society.”
She said she avoided paying attention to negative comments on social media and also advised her supporters not to use harsh language against her opponents.
Published in Daily Times, April 2nd 2018.
