Nobel Peace Prize: Malala termed a true icon

Citizens say backlash against her in certain circles reflective of siege mentality.

ISLAMABAD:

The announcement of a Nobel Peace Prize for Malala Yousafzai has spawned a plethora of opinions on social and traditional media.

While some have unequivocally refused to acknowledge her achievement, others have welcomed the news with admiration and praise.

Malala, 17, is the second Pakistani after physicist Abdus Salam to have been nominated for the prestigious prize. She shares the award with Indian children’s rights activist Kailah Satyarthi.

Citizens of the capital shared their reactions and generally acknowledged Malala for being a representative of peace and education.

“I hope my daughter never has to face what she [Yousafzai] lived through. I hope we can all learn some of Malala’s grace,” said Nadine Murtaza, an educationist and motivational speaker.

Commenting on the vitriol directed towards the teenager on social media, public relations professional Ayesha Shoaib said, “We as Pakistanis tend to look at everything negatively”, adding, “[Malala] is being congratulated and admired the world over. But as always on home ground, we do not have the heart to praise her for what she has achieved,” she added.

Heba Al-Adawy, a researcher at a think-tank, said, “It is not that the Nobel Peace Prize is or should be the only validation of a person’s accomplishment, but insofar as it does serve this purpose, I think the Committee made a wonderful decision by nominating Malala and Satyarthi in a symbolic gesture to bring the two countries together over shared principles and goals.”

She added that the backlash against Malala in certain Pakistani circles is simply sad and reflective of our own siege mentality and insecurities rather than the young girl’s achievement.

Taimoor Khan, a college student, acknowledged Malala ‘s struggle and success as an inspiration for the Pakistanis who are mindful of making a difference in their respective fields. “It is time to put aside our prejudices and recognise our real heroes. [Malala] deserves a nod of appreciation,” he said.

Praising Malala on her achievement,  Rutgers World Population Foundation (WPF) Country Representative Qadeer Baig said, “I am proud of Malala as she raised girl’s education issue globally and made it a priority for the UN.”

He stressed that it was a proud moment for Pakistan that a young girl from a conservative area stood up to advocate for girl education rights and drew attention of the international community in this matter.

Adding to this, National Commission on Status of Women (NCSW) Chairperson Khawar Mumtaz stated that Malala made Pakistan proud for the cause she stood up for and by her commendable courage.

Sajid Hussain a cab driver expressed equal pride. “I was glad to see that for once, the world will hear good news from Pakistan.” He added that it was a victory not only for Malala, but for all the Pakistani girls struggling for their right to an education.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2014.