By Alexandra Sandacz
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe
LONDON, United Kingdom – On Monday, a wounded teenage activist, who was shot by the Taliban, was airlifted from Pakistan to the United Kingdom for more specialized medical treatment. The teenager was also transferred to the UK to protect her from potential various other militant attacks.
A week ago, in Pakistan, 14-year-old Malala Yousufzai was returning home from school when the Taliban targeted her for promoting girls’ education and criticizing the militant take over of Swat Valley. Two armed men stopped the van Malala was in, asked which girl was Malala, and opened fire. One of the shots hit her in the head and wounded two others.
The Taliban admitted they sent assassins, despite a tribal code forbidding the killing of women. The Taliban threated to continue targeting Malala until she is killed because she promotes “Western thinking.”
Due to continuing threats, the Pakistani military released a statement, “It was agreed by the panel of Pakistani doctors and international experts that Malala will require prolonged care to fully recover from the physical and psychological effects of trauma that she has received.” The military also suggested that Malala be transferred to a center in the United Kingdom that has the ability to provide adequate care to children who have undergone serious injuries.
The decision to relocate Malala was also determined with her family. Malala was flown from Pakistan on an air ambulance and accompanied by a full medical team. She will be treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The Pakistani government confirmed they would pay for her treatment.
Before Malala was moved to the UK, Pakistani doctors had already removed a bullet from Malala’s body. Malala’s initial recovery was described as satisfactory, and she is able to move her legs and hands.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said, “The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. Malala’s bravery in standing up for the right of all young girls in Pakistan to an education is an example to us all.”
Yousufzai, a schoolgirl, became a symbol of resistance against the Taliban’s efforts to deprive girls of an education.
Former UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, launched a petition in Malala’s name “in support of what Malala fought for.” He stated, “The petition calls on Pakistan to ensure that every girl like Malala has the chance to go to school.” He also called on the international community to guarantee that all children will have access to education by the end of 2015.
For further information, please see:
BBC News — Malala Yousafzai, schoolgirl shot by Taliban, now in UK – 15 October 2012
The Independent — Pakistani girl Malala Yousufzai who was wounded in an assassination attempt by the Taliban arrives in Britain for NHS treatment – 15 October 2012
Reuters — Pakistani schoolgirl shot by Taliban sent to UK for treatment – 15 October 2012
The Washington Post — Pakistan airlifts girl activist shot by Taliban to the United Kingdom for treatment – 15 October 2012
