Malala lauded for spreading her message to the world. PHOTO: AFP
The news was disappointing, but the reactions were still good. Malala didn’t win the Nobel Peace Prize, but she was lauded for her efforts and affirmed support for her future struggles.
Friday’s mantra was variants of “Malala did win the Nobel Prize, but won the world’s hearts”.
Others claimed the job was already done as her message of education first had spread to the world. The co-author of Malala’s autobiography, Christina Lamb, said on Twitter, “No Nobel for Malala but she has already spread her message of peace and education around the world far more than any prize could.”
The 16-year-old activist was praised abroad as well as at home. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called Malala the pride of the nation. “Her efforts in the field of education are a source of inspiration for the younger generation,” the premier said in a statement issued on Friday.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan expressed disappointment at the Nobel Peace snub for Malala Yousafzai. But even her nomination was an honour for all Pakistanis, he added. “Her many international accolades are a recognition of not only her brave struggle but of the struggle of girls and women everywhere in the world.”
Imran said PTI welcomed the award going to the Organisation for Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). “It is time for countries like the United States of America and Russia to complete the destruction of their chemical weapons stockpiles instead of seeking extensions.”
Meanwhile, there were calls for Malala to be the next prime minister of the country. Pakistan Peoples Party patron-in-chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called her “wazir-e-azam Malala Yousafzai”.
Separately, Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain said,“She set a shining example of courage and inspiration and will act as a beacon of light forever for students who live in oppressive environments.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2013.
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Obama was awarded Nobel because he was first ever black to be the president. On the other hand Malala is fighting for human dignity of all girls and boys. I really think the "Noble Prize for peace" is no more valid. In many peoples heart all over the world, she has won. I only pray the oppressed women all over world unite and get educated at any cost. They are sure could better than men any where.
God bless Malala
Nice!that Government and political leaders came out to show solidarity with her. It would have been better if these statements would have come prior to the prize announcement.