"Malala Syndrome" is back. Last year, i wrote about Malala with the title of "Malala Syndrome and the Extremists". I tried to explain how the critics and admirers of Malala have taken an extreme disposition, and how Malala will be a fad like Mukhtara Mai.
Same is happening now. The "extremists" of west have given her the highest award and this, unfortunately, will start the decline of Malala, as this award is already her peak. West usually gives such awards on political basis, that is why even Obama gets noble peace award after bombing Iraq and Afghanistan. In Malala's case, the objective is to malign Taliban and get the support of the world against their extremism. Malala is just a symbol and a tool for west.
Like many others i also believe that she, until now, did not deserve the award of such prestige. The point is simple. She has not achieved anything substantial, solely on her own. Whatever limelight she achieved until now, simply happened to her. She was writing a diary for BBC, then she got shot by Taliban, she flew to United Kingdom, West brought her in limelight and now she has got a perfect platform to work for the cause she stands for. Although, it is easier said than done, she could have returned to Pakistan and could have rejected the help and all the limelight from US and do something substantial for the underprivileged women of Pakistan. Having said that, i do admire her for her courage and vision in this young age. The way she carries herself in a respectful and traditional manner, the way she communicates and the cause she stands for, all are commendable.
On the other hand, the hatred towards Malala has increased in the hearts of her haters. Malala's haters have, once again, lost their control and have started to throw filth on her, which i think is unjust. Firstly, the 'Malala Haters' should remember that all the conspiracies they made up, when she was shot, were proven wrong. Hence their basic 'hating-Malala' factor was proven wrong. Secondly, while they criticize who she is standing with, they should also see who she is standing against. Is she standing against Islam, Pakistan or Talibans? I think it is Talibans and their extremism. If US is our enemy, then Talibans have also not proven themselves to be the well wishers of Pakistan. Malala has became a voice against the extremist behavior of Talibans.
Now do the Malala-Haters agree with Taliban and their extremists views? I am sure many of them do not agree with Talibans but they hate her because they believe that she is getting all the support and limelight from US and is acting as a friend and puppet of US and its agenda. But is this really enough reason to hate her? and did we leave any room for her to come back?
Hence my questions to my country mates are that can we bring back our own daughter from US?Do we agree with her cause? Does women in Pakistan need more attention, equal opportunities and education? If yes then can we protect Malala in Pakistan and stand beside her for her cause? If the answer to all of the above is No, then we need to rethink our hatred towards Malala.
But if you, at least, agree with Malala's cause, then do something to bring back your daughter. Malala can come back, provided if rather than US, we, Pakistanis, stand beside her for the cause she is standing for. She can come back, if she will see more love and support from within her country. She can come back if she will know that her own country is standing united beside her against extremism.
Once US hijacked Malala, lets "hijack" her back.
