A group of civil society organisations on Tuesday observed Malala Day, aimed to highlight the leading role that youth can play in enabling all children to get an education. The function was held under auspices of Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network (PCNS) in collaboration with Khwendo Kor, MEN UNiTE, TNC, and Education Watch KP/FATA, at press club here.

“Malala is an inspiration to millions” says Qamar Naseem co-ordinator of MEN UNiTE Network. “Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should immediately adopt resolution in favour of Malala Yousafzai which is still pending. Girls in Pakistan are often denied opportunities for education. Lack of education limits prospects, decreases family income, reduces health, puts women and girls at risk of trafficking and exploitation, and limits the economic advancement of entire country”, he added.

Zar Ali Khan of Tribal NGOs consortium while talking on the occasion said “For many, schooling is an opportunity of the past, leaving as the only options menial labour and, for growing numbers of girls, childhood marriage, it is disappointing to see that children in FATA face violence, the hardships of displacement, and the aggression of radical ideology every day which is unacceptable”. While it is encouraging to see that a small moment for the education of girls in Swat Valley; it is spreading now all over the world.” Maryam Bibi of Khwendo Kor while expressing her views on this occasion said that “Khwendo Kor believes that education for girls and women is the single most effective way to improve the lives of individual families as well as to bring economic development to poor communities world-wide”.

Business Recorder