Malala Yousafzai urges countries to avoid normal ties with Taliban

LONDON: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai has urged world countries not to maintain normal relations with Afghan Taliban saying their ban on girls’ education contravenes the message of Islam and fundamental human rights.

Speaking at special ceremony at the Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall, where a portrait of Malala Yousafzai has been unveiled, she said that the Taliban were depriving girls and women of basic rights and warned that restrictions on education in Afghanistan had created a dangerous situation.

“All countries should refrain from maintaining normal relations with the Taliban and instead increase pressure based on human rights,” she said.

Yousafzai added that Afghan girls continued to pursue learning through secret and online classes despite the restrictions. “They are moving forward with courage, and I stand with them,” she said.

During the ceremony, a portrait of Yousafzai was unveiled at Lady Margaret Hall, where a portrait of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is also displayed.

Yousafzai described Bhutto as an inspiration for women around the world.

Hamid Ismail, the sponsor of the portrait, said the display of Yousafzai’s portrait at a prestigious institution such as Oxford was a matter of pride not only for her but also for Pakistan. Yousafzai’s parents expressed gratitude and happiness over the honour, he added.