After former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, a portrait of Malala Yousafzai has also been installed at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University.
A special ceremony was held at Lady Margaret Hall to mark the installation of Malala’s portrait which was attended by a large number of education experts and academics.
Speaking to a private TV channel on the occasion Malala Yousafzai said that all countries should put pressure on the Taliban and should not maintain normal relations with them.
She said the Taliban are suppressing half of their population by denying girls and women their basic rights.
“All countries should take a stand based on human rights, and that Muslim countries also have a responsibility to condemn the Taliban’s un-Islamic actions” Malala stressed.
She further said the Taliban must understand their religion as seeking knowledge is an essential part of Islam and no girl can be deprived of education in the name of religion. Malala described the ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan as an extremely dangerous situation and said the Taliban are stripping girls of their fundamental right to education and preventing them from attending school.
Malala said that stopping girls from getting education is against the message of Islam. She added that the Taliban are not allowing women to go outside their homes or work leaving the future of children in Afghanistan looking bleak. However she noted that Afghan women and girls have not lost hope and are continuing their education through secret schools and online platforms.
Malala Yousafzai also said that she stands with Afghan girls and is supporting their projects. She said Pakistanis to show solidarity with Afghans and condemn the Taliban’s actions. She added that Benazir Bhutto is an inspiration not only for Pakistan but for women across the world.
In this regard portrait sponsor Hamid Ismail said that the installation of Malala’s portrait at such a prestigious university is an honor not only for Malala but also for Pakistan and being selected to sponsor the portrait was a matter of pride for him as well.
On the occasion Malala’s father Ziauddin Yousafzai said it is a moment of gratitude and pride that after Benazir Bhutto Malala’s portrait has been displayed at Oxford University in recognition of her services for girls’ education. Malala’s mother also expressed happiness and pride saying that God had granted Malala a new life.
Also read: Samina Baig: First Pakistani to ski to the South Pole
