LAHORE – Like the other parts of the country, The Malala Day was observed in the provincial capital on Saturday.
The United Nations announced the day in the honour of child activist from Swat, Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban some weeks ago. Civil society and human rights activists took out rallies and stage protests to express solidarity with Malala.
The Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) announced “15 Malala Yousafzai Scholarships” for girls from KPK and the northern Areas. LCWU Vice Chancellor Dr. Sabiha Mansoor said that these scholarships will be awarded on the request of student council of LCWU and comprise 10 scholarships for four year BS degree and 5 scholarships for MS-Ph.D degree. The scholarships will include hostel accommodation. Dr Mansoor, in her message, said that Malala Yousafzai stands tall as a symbol of girls’ education and defiance against those who wish to impose their obscurantist agenda behind the façade of religion. “Malala is a brave girl who dispite all challenges to pursue her education and refused to bow to all threats. She stands as a symbol of hope for women”, she added.
In his message on the Malala Day, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said Malala Yousafzai is the daughter of nation and pride of the country and the entire nation has been praying for her.
Shahbaz said Malala Yousafzai has won laurels for Pakistan by playing a leading role at such an early age. He prayed for her early recovery.