17°c A few clouds
22°c Thundershowers
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Shot schoolgirl's recovery 'miracle': dad
LONDON -- The father of a 15-year-old Pakistani girl shot in the head by the Taliban described his daughter's survival and ongoing recovery as miraculous Friday, and said her shooting was a turning point for Pakistan.
Malala Yousufzai is recovering at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where she was flown for treatment and protection from Taliban threats after she was shot on Oct. 9 in northwestern Pakistan.
The Islamist militants say they're targeting Malala, who had gained international recognition for advocating for girls' education, because she promoted so-called western thinking and secularism.
Her father, Ziauddin, along with her mother and two brothers were reunited with her Thursday night after flying to the U.K.
A picture the hospital issued showed the wounded teen, her head covered in a light-blue scarf, reclining in her hospital bed with her family gathered by her side.
Ziauddin Yousufzai said he initially feared he would need to prepare for his daughter's funeral and that her status now is "a miracle for us."
"She is recovering at an encouraging speed and we are very happy," he told reporters in Birmingham.
He expressed gratitude for prayers and well-wishes that have poured in from all over the world, noting the attack on his daughter had united left- and right-wing forces in Pakistan in condemnation.
"When she fell, the world stood. She will rise again, she will stand again. She can stand now," Ziauddin Yousufzai said.
A Taliban gunman shot Malala as she was in a school bus on her way home from school in the Swat Valley city of Mingora. Two other girls were injured in the attack.
The Pakistani Taliban once controlled much of the Swat Valley, where they destroyed numerous schools, many of them for girls, and campaigned against allowing girls to go to school.
Malala was one of the most prominent voices in Swat to speak out against the Taliban, who were largely -- though not entirely -- driven out of the valley by a Pakistani army offensive in 2009.
Malala was airlifted to a hospital in Britain on Oct. 15. The Taliban have vowed to kill her, raising questions about whether it would be safe for her to return to Pakistan, but her father has rejected reports the family might seek asylum abroad.
"I love her, and last night when we met her there were tears in our eyes out of happiness," Ziauddin Yousufzai said Friday. "We all cried a little bit."
-- The Associated Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 27, 2012 A26
More World
- Back to Top
- Return to World
More World
(1 of 22 articles for today)
Singapore pollution hits record, Malaysia shuts 200 schools amid haze from Indonesia fires
5:18 AM 0
Poll
Most Popular World
- Sao Paulo, Rio officials reverse subway, bus fare hike that sparked nationwide protests
- Drowning doesn't look like drowning
- Ohio mom says 3 held her captive; suspect's lawyer insists he gave her, child place to live
- FBI says it found no sign of remains of ex-Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa in suburban Detroit
- Palace officials shed some light on Kate and William's baby plans as royal birth nears
- One of US FBI's most wanted nabbed at Mexico beach resort
- Obama renews calls for reductions to US, Russian nuclear stockpiles, action on climate change
- Ex-Playboy Playmate admits helping Canadian boyfriend enter US illegally
- Miss Utah latest beauty queen to botch answer, elicit cringes across web
- Italy's high court explains Amanda Knox reversal, says victim died in possible 'erotic game'
- Deck collapse at popular Miami-area sports bar during NBA Finals game sends dozens into water
- Hungary accuses ex-Canadian citizen, 98, of Nazi-era war crimes against Jews
- Mystery behind disappearance, death of Teamsters' Jimmy Hoffa still fascinates after 40 years
- Bear whose head had been stuck in a plastic jar for at least 11 days is rescued in central Pa.
- Boston woman pays $560,000 for 2 parking spots during auction held by IRS
- AP IMPACT: Commander in Nazi SS-led unit linked to atrocities living in Minnesota
- Soldiers, horses parade through London to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's birthday
- Sao Paulo, Rio officials reverse subway, bus fare hike that sparked nationwide protests
- Man recovering in hospital after surviving plunge from 15th floor apartment in New Zealand
- Man inspires new form of protest in Turkey simply by standing
- Bridge collapse survivor who fell in river: 'You hold on as tight as you can'
- Massive tornado roars through Oklahoma City suburb, killing at least 51
- Brave woman tried to calm London attackers and reasoned with them before police came
- Woman who reported baby in sewer is his mom; was present at rescue
- Mother says Boston suspect now walking; father of Chechen man FBI shot says he was 'executed'
- SC woman who murdered 4 in family brought them together to pray before killings
- Search for survivors of Oklahoma tornado nearly complete, as homeowners confront devastation
- Man shot to death in Fla. while being questioned in Boston Marathon bombing investigation
- 3 veteran storm chasers killed while pursuing storm as it swept into Oklahoma City area
- Police: US driver drove drunk while having sex, crashed, hid behind cactus
- Sao Paulo, Rio officials reverse subway, bus fare hike that sparked nationwide protests
- KKK hoods probed: Racist outfits worn by fans at hockey game
- Cash or medals for victims of '63 KKK bomb?
- Moderate earthquake strikes central Chile, shakes buildings in capital
- Uncle Sam is Big Brother
- Drowning doesn't look like drowning
- AP IMPACT: Commander in Nazi SS-led unit linked to atrocities living in Minnesota
- Having a senior moment?
- Sao Paulo, Rio officials reverse subway, bus fare hike that sparked nationwide protests
- Don't like spies? Here are some ideas for keeping your data safe from snoops
- Minnesota man lied about Nazi past
- Books can influence growth of brain
- KKK hoods probed: Racist outfits worn by fans at hockey game
- Cash or medals for victims of '63 KKK bomb?
- Drowning doesn't look like drowning
- Bridge collapse survivor who fell in river: 'You hold on as tight as you can'
- Police: US driver drove drunk while having sex, crashed, hid behind cactus
- Rare comic book featuring debut of Superman found insulating abandoned house in Minnesota
- Uncle Sam is Big Brother
- Driver horrified by scene in rearview mirror after load hits I-5 bridge, road falls into river
- Woman who reported baby in sewer is his mom; was present at rescue
- Beavers attack people in Belarus, fisherman dies of bite wounds after trying to pose for photo
- AP IMPACT: Commander in Nazi SS-led unit linked to atrocities living in Minnesota
- Phone cracked? Cool
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?
Login SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.