Girl targeted by Taliban airlifted to UK for treatment

Pakistan airlifted a 14-year-old activist who was shot and seriously wounded by the Taliban to Britain for treatment, a move that will give her access to the specialised medical care she needs to recover and also protect her from follow-up attacks threatened by the militants.

The attack on Malala Yousufzai as she was returning home from school in Pakistan’s northwest a week ago has horrified people both across the country and abroad. It has also sparked hope the government would respond by intensifying its fight against the Taliban and their allies.

Over 100 Taliban militants attacked a police station near the main northwest city of Peshawar late on Sunday night, sparking a gunbattle that lasted several hours, police said. Six policemen were killed during the clash, including two who were beheaded.

Malala was targeted by the Taliban for promoting girls’ education and criticising the militant group. Two of Malala’s classmates were also wounded in the attack and are receiving treatment in Pakistan.

The Taliban said they attacked Malala because she was promoting “Western thinking” and have threatened to target her again until she is killed.

Malala was flown out of Pakistan in a specially equipped air ambulance provided by the United Arab Emirates, said the Pakistani military, which has been treating the young girl at one of its hospitals.

A panel of doctors recommended that Malala be shifted to a centre that has the ability to provide “integrated” care to children who have sustained severe injuries, said a military statement.

Malala will be treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, a centre which has specialised in the treatment of troops wounded in Afghanistan, said British prime minister David Cameron’s office.

“The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism,” British foreign secretary William Hague said in a statement.

“Malala’s bravery in standing up for the right of all young girls in Pakistan to an education is an example to us all.”

Pakistani doctors at a military hospital earlier removed a bullet from Malala’s body that entered her head and headed toward her spine. The military has described her recovery as satisfactory and said she was able to move her legs and hands several days ago when her sedatives were reduced. They have not said whether she suffered any brain damage or other permanent damage.

The military said damaged bones in Malala’s skull will need to be repaired or replaced, and she will need “intensive neuro rehabilitation”. The decision to send the girl abroad was taken in consultation with her family, and the Pakistani government will pay for her treatment.