Sir: The battle of Maiwand was one of the principal battles of the second Anglo-Afghan War, fought on July 27, 1880, between the Afghans and British India’s troops. In the battle, the Afghans, under the leadership of Ayub Khan, defeated two brigades of British India’s troops fighting under the command of Brigadier General George Burrows. Although it was Ayub Khan who became known as the victor of Maiwand, it was Malalai who actually saved the day. Malalai was the daughter of a shepherd who also fought in the battle of Maiwand along with the Afghan soldiers. In fact, Malalai was there to help the wounded and provide water and spare weapons to the Afghan fighters. There came a point in the battle when the Afghan army started to lose its morale and the tide seemed to be turning in favour of the British. Malalai took off her veil and shouted, “Young love, if you do not fall in the battle of Maiwand, by God, someone is saving you as a symbol of shame.”
Malala of Pakistan, a 14-year-old girl from Swat who is known for her resolve to pursue education and political activities, has been shot in the head by militants. This is perhaps the darkest time in the history of this country. The only fault of Malala was her resolve to pursue education, a right that is not, in any way, against religion. Rather, the right to education is in line with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who said, “Get an education even if you have to go to China for it.” Why are some people who claim to be Muslim so bigoted that they cannot even spare a small girl? Does any religion on the face of this planet allow such brutality? It is high time that we rise above petty political issues and recognise our real foes to eliminate this menace from our country. Today, Malala, the daughter of Pakistan, is saying to us, “My countrymen, if you do not fall in the battle against terrorism, by God, someone is saving you as a symbol of shame.”
S SAJJAD Q ASHRAF
Haripur