Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - The Pakistani government, Churches and minorities, civil society, the entire nation gathers around Malala Yusufzai, the 15-year-old activist, victim of an assassination attempt, carried out a month ago by the Taliban, in celebrating today the "Day for Malala". On the occasion of the event – celebrated in Pakistan, in the United Kingdom (where Malala is living) and in other parts of the world - the Pakistani government has launched a new four-year program of literacy which will reach over three million children from poor families and in remote or degraded areas. "Pakistan will not allow radicals to impose their plans. Malala Yusufzai is the moderate, modern and plural face of Pakistan," said Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, defining Malala "the voice who defended women's education, the right guaranteed in the Constitution."
Asked by Fides Agency, Paul Bhatthi, Federal Minister for Harmony, said: "Malala will leave an important mark in the history of Pakistan. She is a little girl who already since the age of 9 raised her voice against injustice and extremism in society. Today the entire Pakistani society has become aware of the urgency of the fight against terrorism and extremism and to guarantee the rights of women. The government also plans to change the definition of 'Taliban' (which means 'students'), as they are just criminals, not students. We hope that the program for girls education can have positive effects, even if there is to fight a mentality rooted in families, that do not send girls to school."
"The story of Malala and mobilization today - concludes Bhatti - show the international community that the Pakistan society is hoping to build and safeguard pluralism and the respect for human dignity." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/11/2012)
