International education activist Malala Yousafzai rose to international fame after she survived a gunshot to the head from the Taliban. Now one of the country's shining symbols is facing a roadblock to spread her message, and for the most ridiculous reasons.
From the Globe and Mail:
Pakistani education officials said Sunday that they have banned teenage activist Malala Yousafzai’s book from private schools across the country, claiming it doesn’t show enough respect for Islam and calling her a tool of the West.
Why am I not surprised that people in Pakistan continue to stick their head in the sand. Much of the society is uneducated and overly religious. It is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan after all. But why, really are they banning the book? What blasphemous things is the book saying about Islam?
Kashif Mirza, the chairman of the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation, said his group also has banned Malala’s book in its affiliated schools.
Malala “was a role model for children, but this book has made her controversial,” Mirza said. “Through this book, she became a tool in the hands of the Western powers.”
He said the book did not show enough respect for Islam because it mentioned Prophet Muhammad’s name without using the abbreviation PUH — “peace be upon him” — as is customary in many parts of the Muslim world.
So because the book did not mention the abbreviation PUH or PBUH, the books message is diluted and at the same time the book did not show enough respect for Islam? The last time I checked, Malala wasn't exactly a missionary and oh by the way, SHE WAS SHOT IN THE HEAD BY A GROUP WHO
CARRIES OUT KILLINGS AND LIVES IN THE STONE AGE
IN THE NAME OF ISLAM.
On top of the disrespect, the groups affiliated with private schools are now claiming that Malala is a tool of the West. I understand where they are coming from because Pakistani culture and politics are full of conspiracy theories. For historical reasons, Pakistanis have treated the West with suspicion and many believe that they are a pawn in global geopolitics. It's one of the many reasons why the country is, in my humble opinion, so backwards. This move does't surprise me, but let's hope they get a little backlash from some reasonable people.