Lahore, October 10: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned as ‘exceptionally cowardly’ a Taliban attack on the young rights activist Malala Yousafzai, hoped for her early recovery and appreciated the urgent attention the government had given to her medical treatment.

In a statement, the Commission said: “HRCP expresses solidarity with Malala Yousafzai and her family and hopes that she will come out of this trial soon. HRCP also appreciates the urgency and attention Malala received from the government and the medical team treating her.

It defies belief that anyone would be so brutal and so exceptionally cowardly to attack an unprotected child, who is a symbol of innocence, own that attack and then proceed to state that if she recovers they will target her again. Words cannot begin to express the condemnation that this merits. This is a new low even for the Taliban. Religious scholars and clerics parading themselves in the garb of politicians must reflect on what they have to say to this and indeed what they are prepared to do to prevent this madness that cannot be overly condemned. It is also a wake-up call, if another one was needed, for those pining to appease the extremists and going out of their way to advocate making peace with the Taliban.

The attack should only strengthen the resolve of Malala, civil society, all conscious citizens and the security forces as it exposes again the barbarism and the utter absence of humanity in the ruthless demons that they are trying to expose and overcome. They should show through words and actions their contempt for the blind hate and the penchant for senseless killings that the Taliban stand for.”

Zohra Yusuf

Chairperson