The role model: Educationists remember Malala on Independence Day

Say it is important to carry the activist’s message forward

SHANGLA: While celebrating Independence Day, educationists in Shangla hailed Malala Yousufzai’s efforts for education.

“Malala belongs to this part of the country and is being recognised for her talent,” said social activist Shahid Ali Khan at an event held in Alpuri, Shangla to celebrate August 14. “Although she has been appreciated abroad, Malala is yet to be recognised in her homeland, Shangla.”

He added Malala works on instilling the importance of education in people but unfortunately certain elements are engaged in negative propaganda against her.

“It is time for the people of Shangla to come forward and back,” he said. On the occasion, Shangla DPO Faisal Shehzad said, “I’m surprised to see the talent in the country.” However, he said it was difficult to pinpoint the problem which caused Shangla to remain one of Pakistan’s backward areas.

He urged people from all over the district to fix issues through non-political forums and said such goals can only be achieved if the social and education sectors come together.

Earlier in the day, Sajid Shah, an educationist, who also worked on USAID projects, said students from Shangla held top positions in the recently-held examinations for secondary, medical and engineering students. “It is time for both the public and private sectors to join hands for the development of the country,” Shah added

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2015.