Sakharov prize: Malala’s message resonates in the capital

EU arranges live stream from Paris, followed by talk on educational challenges.

ISLAMABAD: While right-wing politicians in the country denigrate Malala’s achievements, the world celebrates the teenage activist for campaigning for education.

At a live streaming of her speech, diplomats, members of civil society and students gathered at a local hotel on Wednesday to cheer Malala Yousafzai while she received the European Union’s (EU) Sakharov prize for freedom of thought yesterday evening in Paris.



They do not want iPhones, X-Boxes or Play stations, they want a book and a pen, said Malala. On the occasion of World Children’s Day, the EU delegation to Pakistan held a live screening session at a local hotel.

As claps from Paris resounded in Islamabad, Malala’s message was loud and clear. “Many children with no food and water are starving for education. There are 57 million children who are deprived of education and they need us,” she said.

Starting her speech with education as a basic human right, Malala took the opportunity to request EU countries to look beyond its borders.

“The European parliament should look beyond Europe and work for countries suffering for their basic rights” she said. A panel discussion that followed the screening discussed educational reforms and challenges post 18th amendment with education becoming a provincial subject.



Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf legislator from the tribal areas Aisha Gulalai Wazir said, “Class-based system of education in Pakistan needs to change. We need to introduce one curriculum”.

Pointing out flaws in the country’s education system, Ali Moeen Nawazish, and education activist, said “Article 25-A was passed but we have not captured its spirit as 25 per cent of public school teachers are absent every day.”

Winding up the discussion, former ambassador Sherry Rehman endorsed the need to reform education policies.

“We need to get to the grass-roots level, to the crumbling walls and ghost schools,” she said. Praising Malala’s efforts, Rehman said the youth icon stood against all odds and went from the “yes we will to the yes we can.”

Diplomats, civil society members and students were present at the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2013.