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APS survivor Waleed Khan asks people to stop comparing him and Malala, calls her an inspiration

APS survivor Waleed Khan asks people to stop comparing him and Malala, calls her an inspiration

Slamming those criticising Malala, he said, "we can’t uplift one person by degrading the other".
05 Jun, 2021

Waleed Khan — a survivor of the tragic attack on APS Peshawar in 2014 — has slammed people comparing him to Malala Yousufzai in light of criticism being hurled at her following her British Vogue interview. Social media had been criticising Malala for leaving Pakistan after the terrorist attack on her, while Khan, they claimed, didn't leave the country. Khan clarified in his tweet that he did in fact leave the country and now resides in the UK.

Earlier this week, Malala made history by being featured on the cover of British Vogue with a stunning cover photo. Malala got candid, speaking about her life as an immigrant, coming of age at Oxford, her family and life aspirations. When the interviewer tried to learn about Malala's personal life, Malala reluctantly shared her confused, but typical young adult views on marriage. Her casual remark was blown out of proportion in Pakistan and made headlines across the country. Twitter spoke about it for days and the strange debate even made its way to the floor of the KP Assembly.

A picture was shared among Malala haters comparing Malala's struggle to Khan's and holding up Khan as an example of a "better Pakistani" than her.

This picture caught Khan's eye and prompted a stern response. Khan, who was shot eight times during the horrible attack on his school, has since gone on to become a campaigner for children's right to education.

"From a long time I have been seeing images of me and Malala circulating around. I would like to request everyone please stop this comparison," Khan wrote. He said such antics of degrading one person to uplift another do not yield any meaningful results. Pledging his support to Malala, he said, "Malala is an inspiration for many young people like me and millions around the world."

He also appreciated Malala's family for the support they have provided him, saying they've been "like a family to me throughout this journey."

Khan also took the opportunity to address the inaccuracy in the picture floating around on the internet. It claims that Khan didn't leave the country. Khan clarified that he now lives in Birmingham, the same city as Malala, where he is getting medical treatment and education.

Here's a lesson for everyone: don't always believe what you read on the internet. Hating people will get you nowhere and, as Khan said, these baseless comparisons serve no one. Let's stop pitting people against each other and recognise the good that everyone has done instead.

Comments

ST Jun 05, 2021 03:57pm
Malala is an inspiration? Says who? She is just enjoying British pounds.
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Chrís Dăn Jun 05, 2021 04:01pm
Bravo Waleed Khan to come out with the actual truth and clearing up Malalaś position in the eyes of world. These Pakistani people who are unnecessarilly biased against Malala and deman her as a continuous campaign needed this response. Good on both of you as you both have helped a lot in improving the image of Pakistan young people abroad. On top of all, you both are survivors who found your way from the ultimate darkness.
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Aafiyat Nazar Jun 05, 2021 04:02pm
There is no doubt she is an inspiration for sane people around the globe. She is indeed the pride of Pakistan and pride of Muslims around the world. Her critiques are different breed.
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Ahmed khan lehri Jun 05, 2021 04:12pm
With malala there were other girls kainat etc who also survived the attack and there were many other students who survived in APS attack but why we give importance to these two. Because their families have cashed their children sufferings.
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Ahmed khan lehri Jun 05, 2021 04:14pm
We are not giving importance to 149 killed children and teachers in APS Peshawar incident but giving importance to this guy.
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HashBrown® Jun 05, 2021 04:27pm
"We should be proud of every person that has earned great name for Pakistan instead of drawing constant comparison between them." This is at the very heart of the hatred that Malala receives. She has become famous and respected, and instead of being happy to see a fellow Pakistani doing well, especially a female, some of us feel only jealousy and bitterness. In Hindustan, even the most mediocre celebrities (and most of them are mediocre) get the support of the whole nation, but here in Pakistan we dislike anybody achieving more than we do. I don't care what has or hasn't "done for Pakistan" - she is one of us, and she's a global brand.
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Gig Jun 05, 2021 04:29pm
Waleed, difference between you and her is you were shot many times but didn't took advantage of it. On the other hand malala was shot or not shot but still got international response and took very well advantage of that. Bas yahi.
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Chrís Dăn Jun 05, 2021 04:42pm
I hope and I wish,Waleed Khan may return after his education and join national politics to provide us a solid education system which is the basic need of this unfortunate country. Taliban,and all terrorist organs in Pakistan are afraid of only one weapon- good and sound education for new generation which will defeat terrorism from its very roots. I wish I stay alive to see Waleed khan as my national leader.
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Ghani K Jun 05, 2021 04:49pm
She left Pakistan for good so did her family. Her affiliation with Pakistan ended right there. She is westernized so are her views. Leave her alone.
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Derek Miller Jun 05, 2021 04:50pm
Malala is a huge disappointment - pandering to the West whether its Israel or something else She has no substance despite her tragic background
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Rashid Jun 05, 2021 04:57pm
Why? Malala is a foreign asset
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Naeem Jun 05, 2021 05:21pm
She is created by Uk and USA to speak and tell wrong stories about Pakistan and Pakistani. She does not any medal. What has she done so special to get Nobel award. She should be ashamed of being a Pakistani. She is British now. Her father is acting as an agent for some secret agency. Pakistan should cancel her passport and ban her from Pakistan.
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A Jun 05, 2021 05:54pm
The girl is studying in UK. She is a legend who saved thousands of Pakistani girls.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jun 05, 2021 06:01pm
Birds of the feathers, always flock together.
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Ibrahim Jun 05, 2021 06:06pm
Pakistani male chauvinist and mullahs should understand that she is no longer in the land of pure. Her wisdom speaks for herself .
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Zak Jun 05, 2021 07:05pm
Waleed Khan — a survivor of the tragic attack on APS Peshawar in 2014 — has slammed people comparing him to Malala Yousufzai in light of criticism being hurled at her following her British Vogue interview There is a lot of goodwill and admiration for you. Don't lose it, focus on your studies and life.
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Pplaris Jun 05, 2021 08:07pm
Inspiration for what? For some, her stardom is a fishy story.
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Shamoon Jun 05, 2021 08:42pm
@ST wow , so she should come back to Pakistan where the state cannot provide anyone with security? Do you hate her because she lived or because she is loved by the world ?
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SidC Jun 05, 2021 08:59pm
@ST Before I have few doubt about Malala. But readings comments from people like you, I start thinks differently. There are many still many animals there who want to harm this girl.
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Chrís Dăn Jun 05, 2021 09:03pm
@Ahmed khan lehri Ah you Pak8stanis are unbelievable.
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Chrís Dăn Jun 05, 2021 09:04pm
@HashBrown® yes:)
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Chrís Dăn Jun 05, 2021 09:08pm
@Ghani K we never know. Only your generation seems so bitter mainly because of rotten education system& brain washing by mullahs. May be future holds something better. Waleed khan and like him guys change education system& we may have decent people. She is just 23 & she can await till you re replaced by well educated nation. Who knows!!!
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Chrís Dăn Jun 05, 2021 09:10pm
@Zak I pray he may take future reigns of Pakistan and at last we will have our Mustafa Kemal Pasha of Pakistan.
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Chrís Dăn Jun 05, 2021 09:13pm
@Ibrahim Mullah eat and live by abandoning any such brainy people out of reach of Pakistani mob. Are you not reading comments? Don' you see how much majoeity of Pakistanis are brain-washed by dark & ignorant ideas - don't you feel after reading these comments,how fastly each of them is cutting his own feet? Sad.
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Chrís Dăn Jun 05, 2021 09:16pm
@Naeem She is the ONLY woman from Pakistan who holds Nobel Prize . She gave us pride. You are some Indian posing as Pakistani.
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Chrís Dăn Jun 05, 2021 09:17pm
@Derek Miller what is the problem with West? West has merit based systems with wonderful Human Rights. Where is the problem? The grapes are sour?
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Murtaza Jun 05, 2021 11:23pm
Waleed you embody the spirit of Pakistan. Salute you young man
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Nanda Sologar Jun 06, 2021 12:05am
Why do Pakistanis so o=ften JUMP to Conclusions on matters that are none of their personal concern? Malala IS an inspiration to MILLIONS apparently but not to a few Pakistanis--or is it False national pride?
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Nanda Sologar Jun 06, 2021 12:08am
@Aafiyat Nazar : Malala haters are merely mindlessly envious!
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Truth be told Jun 06, 2021 12:08am
He is a loser if he calls her an inspiration. She just got lucky. He is an equal inspiration and a survivor. Unfortunately all the victims are brainwashed in UK for a new future generation of extremely broad-minded people to influence our future generations.
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Haider Ali Jun 06, 2021 12:31am
@Chrís Dăn please keep waleed khan and Malala in ur own country politics dont train these kids on our kids keep them with u the way u supporting them support them in ur politics platform too goodluck We gifted u them forever
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BlueCollar Jun 06, 2021 01:12am
@A She saved thousands of girls !
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Ghani K Jun 06, 2021 01:18am
@A Saved thousands of Pakistani girls ! How many thousands £ she sent to the welfare of the girls
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Ghani K Jun 06, 2021 01:21am
Did n't an Indian share Nobel peace prize with her. I understand the man works for the welfare of poor, marginalized Indians. Compare to him , what has she done ?
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Mk Jun 06, 2021 02:23am
@ST which pound did she took? She has had all pf the money earned in a halal way and is a great activist for girls' education worldwide. She gives money instead of taking it. Correct tour facts and just stop this ridiculous hate!!
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Amjad Durrani Engineer USA Jun 06, 2021 03:03am
@Aafiyat Nazar very well said
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Malik Haider Jun 06, 2021 03:22am
Pounds speakss
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Khalil Ahmed Jun 06, 2021 04:58am
@ST You're jealous of her British pounds & fame
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Tuk Jun 06, 2021 05:37am
These remarkable kids are the hope for Pakistan.
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Shahid Siddiqui Jun 06, 2021 08:10am
Both Khan and Malala were victims of the terrorist attacks and both stood up for the education of children. They are brave people who are showing a positive image of Pakistan.
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Awais Nazar Jun 06, 2021 08:44am
ملالہ کب سے "Inspiration" بن گئی
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Nazim khan Jun 06, 2021 10:47am
Does anybody know about kamran on bike? Such people should also be given coverage.
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Zed Jun 06, 2021 11:50am
@Aafiyat Nazar her critics actually have a brain to understand media propaganda and critically think about what things actually mean
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Zed Jun 06, 2021 11:52am
@Ibrahim wisdom of not knowing why people get married
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Chrís Dăn Jun 06, 2021 02:56pm
@Ghani K so does she!
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Misha Jun 06, 2021 06:10pm
@Aafiyat Nazar What services had she rendered to be called pride?
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Zak Jun 06, 2021 11:03pm
@Chrís Dăn @Zak I pray he may take future reigns of Pakistan and at last we will have our Mustafa Kemal Pasha of Pakistan. He is a university student not in military academy. But your Modi is Hitler and uneducated like him as well.
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Ghani K Jun 07, 2021 03:53am
@Chrís Dăn How many schools for girls she built in Sawat? Just to speak for the women education, anybody can do.
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Ghani K Jun 07, 2021 03:57am
Accidentally, she came to prominence. Family took advantage and moved to UK, financially doing well.
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Ghani K Jun 07, 2021 04:05am
@Chrís Dăn Just visit Swat, if you know where Swat is. Ask people how many truly care about Malala Yousafzai . She is no part of Pukhtun culture.
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Ghani K Jun 07, 2021 04:29am
@Chrís Dăn You Pakistanis ! You still have the gal to write in a Pakistani publication.
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Amna khan Jun 07, 2021 04:40am
@Chrís Dăn just stop cristisizing mullahs and that's not brain washing its Islam , preaching Islam by mullahs is not brain washing,
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