WASHINGTON: The US State Department says those that would threaten Shad Begum, recipient of the International Women of Courage award, are "out of step with the aspirations of the Pakistani people."
The statement came after a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan leader Ehsanullah Ehsan told Reuters that Shad Begum "works for a secular and infidel system in Pakistan. That is why America has given her this prize" and threatened attacks against her.
Laura Lucas, a State Department spokesperson said, "Begum comes from a long tradition of strong female Pakistani civil society leaders. We have recognised her for the strong and courageous work that she does, which is appreciated by the many communities she has helped, and those who would threaten her are out of step with the aspirations of the Pakistani people."
Referencing Secretary Clinton's earlier statement made during her trip to Pakistan, Lucas said the US recognises that "violent extremism has taken a major toll on the Pakistani people. So stopping terrorism is an urgent interest that we share."
Shad Begum, who hails from Dir, received the International Women of Courage Award on Thursday from First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her work on women rights and development.
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Hillary ==> Devil in disguise
once again Pakistan and Islam reveal it's true self
Come OUT from the caves & smell the COFFEE!
How come? Aren't TTP being sponsored by the US? Why are they then threatening? Or is it some really deep psychological war being played? I must visit Uncle Zaid again!
What a shame and cowardice by these mindless fanatics who are the enemy of civilians and particularly women. Where are the Drones when we need them?
Please US' leaders if you have given Shad Begum International Woman of Courage Award and if you think Taliban may harm her then give her US' nationality/citizenship/green card and stay her in USA so that she could live in peace and tranquility without any threats.
Shad Begum and Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy both will be under threat, as they worked against the wishes of illiterate men of the country.
... US name has itself become a symbol of non-credibility ... so, US recognition of any, even very good work or achievement actually has an opposite effect to that intended ... it takes off the shine for that individual, and in some cases ... puts their life in danger ...
... US needs to really don its thinking hat ... and dispassionately, clear-headed-ly see what is the root cause for this ... Unfortunately, the above response shows clearly that Ms Clinton continues to live in a fool's paradise ... as the empire crumbles under its own ...
Kudos to Shad Begum! More women of her fighting spirit are needed.
Come stand up and give threat to Ehsanullah now . Let ask these Cowards come out Cave and fight.