Malala sent to UK for treatment: ISPR
15 October, 2012
RAWALPINDI: Malala Yusufzai has been sent to UK for further treatment, following the decision of the board of doctors treating her in the military hospital here and with the consent of her family members, our sources reported. Malala – an outspoken advocate for girls' education – was shot in the head and neck as she waited for a school bus last Tuesday in the north western district of Swat. After her initial treatment in a local hospital, she has been receiving care at a military hospital in Rawalpindi for the past few days. The decision to send Malala to the United Kingdom had been taken after consultations with her family members and all expenses for her treatment would be borne by the Government of Pakistan, an statement issued by ISPR said. Earlier Pakistan Ambassador in United Arab Emirates (UAE) had told our sources that an air ambulance had arrived from UAE to shift Malala abroad as part of the contingency plans. ISPR statement further said that Malala's condition was out of danger and she was improving slowly and steadily. Her ventilator was removed for a while and Malala was breathing on her own. ISPR spokesman said that 14-year-old Malala Yusufzai, whose shooting has drawn condemnation abroad and at home, will require prolonged care to fully recover physically and psychologically. Malala has become a potent symbol of resistance against the Taliban's efforts to deprive girls of an education. The nation has held some protests and candlelight vigils but government officials have refrained from publicly criticising the Taliban by name over the attack, in what critics say is a lack of resolve against extremism. Opponents of the government and military say the shooting is another reminder of the state's failure to tackle militancy. End.
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