This Tuesday, the All Pakistani Private Schools Federation (APPSF), a group that represents over 150,000 private schools in mostly poor and middle class regions in Pakistan, held its second annual “I am not Malala, I am Muslim, I am Pakistani” Day.
Started in 2014, the day includes events and talks in which members primarily protest against Malala Yousafzai's memoir, "I am Malala."
Malala gained global notoriety when she was almost fatally shot by members of the Taliban in 2012 because of her vocal campaign for girls to be allowed to attend school in the Taliban-controlled Swat region.
She has since won the Nobel Peace Prize award, the EU’s human rights award, and widespread respect among world leaders as a symbol of perseverance. But back home in Pakistan, perceptions of the activist are not so clear cut.
Some Pakistani hardliners view her as an 'agent of the West' and anti-Muslim—according to APPSF, her memoir spurs on Western governments in their attempts to impose a more secular ideology in Pakistan.
While most Pakistanis praise her accomplishments, others point to the hypocrisy of the West in ignoring the stories of other extraordinary Pakistanis. There's also the belief that the attention is leading to negative generalizations about Pakistan, such as the notion that all Pakistanis are against education for women.
But there is some good news. In response to the backlash, people on social media have defended Malala, pointing to her efforts to make education more accessible to children, especially young girls, and the fact that her accomplishments at such a young age serve as an inspiration for the younger generation.
Check out a few responses below. Via Twitter.
Shame on #PrivateSchools federation 4 observing #IamNotMalala day in #Pakistan as #Malala seeks children's right to education & free speech.
— zaheerana (@zaheerana) November 10, 2014WARNING: Intolerance on a high in Pakistan. Disrespecting Islam can be dangerous to existence. #IamNotMalala
— Shoaib Iqbal (@IqShoaib) November 11, 2014Malala & Bilawal.... Two brave daughters of Pakistan! #BilloRani #IamNotMalala
— Shaharyar Siddiqui (@shaharyar586) November 13, 2014
