By Shokat Dar:
London:
Another prestigious recognition for the Nobel Prize–winning Pakistani activist, Malala Yousafzai’s portrait has been unveiled at Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall, following Benazir Bhutto. A special ceremony was organized to mark the installation of the portrait, attended by a large number of academics and education experts.
Speaking on the occasion, Malala said that all countries should put pressure on the Taliban and avoid maintaining normal relations with them. She stated that the Taliban are oppressing half of their population by depriving girls and women of their rights. She urged the international community to act on the basis of human rights and said Muslim countries also have a responsibility to condemn the Taliban’s un-Islamic actions.
Malala emphasised that seeking knowledge is a part of faith, and no girl should be denied education in the name of religion. She described the ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan as an extremely dangerous situation, saying the Taliban are taking away girls’ fundamental right to education. According to her, preventing girls from studying goes against the message of Islam. She added that women are not being allowed to leave their homes or work, putting the future of children at risk.
Portrait sponsor Hamid Ismail said that displaying Malala’s portrait at such a prestigious university is an honor not only for Malala but also for Pakistan. He added that being selected to sponsor the portrait was a privilege for him.
