Support for Malala spreads through subcontinent

Rallies have been held in support of Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousufzai, who is fighting for her life in hospital after being shot by the Taliban.

People came out in her support in Islamabad and Karachi, and there were also demonstrations in neighbouring India.

“Terrorism has no relationship with Islam and the holy Prophet has made education obligatory on every Muslim man and woman. In early Islam, the Prophet forbade violence against the elderly, women and children. What sort of Islam are these people trying to bring?” said teacher Tayyiba Saleem.

Malala, who from age 11 had been campaigning for girls’ education in her native Swat valley, a Taliban heartland, has had Pakistan’s highest civilian award, but also many death threats.

But it appears the attempt on her life has stirred deep revulsion in the region against the Taliban.

Girls at a school in Afghanistan chanted her name as all of Afghanistan’s schools said a special prayer for her.

Doctors say the next 36 to 48 hours will be critical.

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