Sir: The west does not adore Malala Yousufzai because she is representing some sad picture of Pakistan and neither is the west supporting her because she is their agent. They adore her bravery, strength, courage and non-violent message, while in her homeland her own people are calling her a drama queen, a western puppet and what not. The west is awarding her for her courage after putting her life in danger for the cause of education, while we are not only denouncing her but are also denouncing what our religion says is compulsory for every person — education. They are supporting her message and mission, while here almost everyone is busy in finding the right conspiracy theory about her.
The west is calling her a hero because they find speaking up against the Taliban, even after getting shot in the head, pretty heroic. They are respecting her for what she is doing, while we believe someone is behind this act; we think a teenager cannot do all this alone. Actually, it seems as if it is quite hard for a Pakistani to understand the concept of speaking up, fighting and struggling for any noble cause. I reckon that, instead of racking our brains about her being a western agent, or who is behind her, we should also celebrate her bravery and courage, and support her mission.
IFRAH IMAM
Karachi
