Tearful Malala pledges to fight on for girls’ education

SURPRISE VISIT Nobel laureate back in Pakistan with family amid tight security

ISLAMABAD: Malala Yousafzai, who survived a Taliban assassination attempt and went on to win the Nobel Peace prize, returned to Pakistan on Thursday after more than five years, saying she will continue to campaign for the education girls.

Malala, 20, who has lived in the UK since she was flown to Birmingham for medical treatment after the 2012 bid on her life, said she was excited to be back in Pakistan. She appreciated t he improvement in the security environment and called on the people to be united on issues such as education and healthcare.

Officials said Malala is visiting Pakistan for four days to highlight the work of her foundation and to create awareness about the education of young girls.

It could not immediately be ascertained whether she would visit her hometown in Swat Valley, a former Taliban stronghold where she had angered militants by championing the education of girls.

At a reception, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi welcomed Malala and noted that when she was attacked, Pakistan was reeling under a wave or terrorism. “Now we have overcome terrorism,” he said.

When it was Malala’s turn to address the gathering at the Prime Minister’s House, she repeatedly wiped away tears from her eyes while recounting how much she had missed Pakistan since she moved abroad for her treatment and education.

“I still cannot believe this is happening. I have dreamed of this day for five years. All the time I was in cars and planes around the world, I used to tell myself that I am back home in Pakistan. And it was never true,” she said.

Malala said extremism and terrorism in Swat had devastated the region after the Taliban took over, adding that the future of Pakistan is now bright. “We need to invest in the education of the children in Pakistan. Malala Fund has already spent more