Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yusufzai has added another major honor to her name, as her portrait has been unveiled at Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall.
Following former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Malala has now become only the second Pakistani woman whose portrait has been displayed at the historic college. A special ceremony was held at Lady Margaret Hall to mark the occasion, which was attended by a large number of educationists and academics.
Speaking to reporters at the event, Malala urged the international community to exert pressure on the Taliban, stressing that countries should not maintain normal relations with them. She said banning girls’ education goes against the true teachings of Islam.
Malala stated that the Taliban were suppressing half of their population by denying girls and women their basic rights. She called on countries to respond on the basis of human rights and said Muslim nations, in particular, had a responsibility to openly condemn the Taliban’s un-Islamic actions.
She further said that seeking knowledge is a core part of religion and no authority has the right to deprive girls of education in its name. Describing the situation in Afghanistan as extremely dangerous, Malala warned that girls were being stripped of their fundamental right to education and were unable to attend schools.
Malala added that Taliban restrictions also prevent women from working and even stepping outside their homes, casting a dark shadow over the future of Afghan children. However, she noted that Afghan women and girls have not lost hope and continue to pursue education through secret schools and online platforms.
Expressing solidarity, Malala said she stands with Afghan girls and is supporting initiatives aimed at helping them. She urged Pakistanis to show unity with Afghans and speak out against the Taliban’s policies. She also paid tribute to Benazir Bhutto, calling her an inspiration not just for Pakistan but for women across the world.
Commenting on the occasion, portrait sponsor Hamid Ismail said that the installation of Malala’s portrait at such a prestigious university was an honor not only for Malala but for Pakistan as well.
Malala’s father, Ziauddin Yusufzai, said it was a moment of pride and gratitude that after Benazir Bhutto, Malala’s services for girls’ education were being recognized at Oxford. Malala’s mother also expressed happiness, saying she felt immense pride in her daughter and thanked God for granting her a new life.