ABU DHABI // Pakistani and Indian expatriates on Friday celebrated the news that their fellow citizens shared the Nobel Peace Prize.
Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE, Asif Durrani, echoed his prime minister when he said that the nation was proud of co-winner Malala Yousafzai, 17, who was shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012 for advocating girls' right to education.
"Malala symbolises our young women's struggle for education. Nobel Prize undoubtedly recognises her struggle for the cause of education not only in Pakistan but around the world, especially in those regions where girls don't get priority in terms of education. However, we cannot be complacent as it's a beginning of a long drawn struggle for universalisation of education. Malala has shown us how to persevere," he said.
Iqbal Maladawala, a spokesman for Pakistan Professionals Wing in Dubai, said the award will shine a light on individuals and institutions that work to raise education in the third-world countries, especially girls and women. "This will make all the women more motivated and proud in Pakistan, especially those who are working in spreading education in the rural areas."
Malala represents a bright spot for Pakistan, which has received its share of negative news over the past several years, said Ayesha Imtiaz, an art and music consultant in Dubai.
"Her contribution towards creating revulsion against terrorism at the grassroots level has actually led her to this award. She has not just empowered the women of Pakistan but all over the world," said Ms Imtiaz, a mother of three girls.
There was a similar showing of pride in the Indian expatriate community after child-rights activist Kailash Satyarthi, 60, was named co-winner.
Pranay Gupte, an Indian author and columnist in Dubai, said that at a time when Indian and Pakistani forces are exchanging gunfire across their border, it was ironic that the committee awarded a peace prize to an Indian and a Pakistani.
"And what wonderful causes the award was given for: universal education for children, and an end to child abuse and exploitation. Well deserved indeed," he said.
Hajra Khatoon, an Indian social worker in Abu Dhabi, said: "I hope this gives the will to both Indians and Pakistanis, to believe that they have the ability to be recognised on an international platform," she said.
akhaishgi@thenational.ae
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