Gilani announces National Peace Prize for Swat girl
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday announced National Peace Prize and Rs 500,000 as encouragement for 14-year old Malala Yousufzai, a young student from Swat.
Malala was one of the five nominees from 98 world-wide, vying for an international peace prize for children.
The award was announced by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Laureate in Cape Town and was given to Michaela Mycroft-a handicapped girl from South Africa.
The Prime Minister directed the Cabinet Division to constitute National Peace Prize to be awarded annually to children under the age of 18 years for their contribution towards peace and education.
Malala, an eighth class student from Gulkada, Mingora expressed her determination to fight for education of girls in the area that got infested by militants, but was cleared after a military operation.
Young Malala told reporters that she realised the importance of peace and education, when extremists destroyed the schools.
She expressed her belief that education was the key to progress and to ensure peace in the world.
The International Peace Prize is awarded to a child who makes a difference, through their courageous or otherwise remarkable acts.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:11/25/2011