Internews/Islamabad

Pakistani and world leaders have hailed Malala Yousafzai for becoming the first Pakistani to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Malala Yousafzai was hailed as the “pride of Pakistan” by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on for winning the prize.
Political leaders and activists alike rallied around Malala, the youngest ever Nobel laureate, expressing their support for the student who moved to Great Britain after being shot in the head by Taliban militants two years ago.
“She is (the) pride of Pakistan. She has made her countrymen proud. Her achievement is unparalleled and unequalled. Girls and boys of the world should take the lead from her struggle and commitment,” Nawaz Sharif said in a statement.
President Mamnoon Hussain felicitated Malala and said she was a symbol of courage and determination. In his felicitation message, the president lauded the courage of young Malala who refused to be intimidated by the extremists and continued her struggle for girls’ right to education.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Malala is a brave and gentle advocate of peace who through the simple act of going to school became a global teacher.
“She said one pen can change the world and proved how one young woman can lead the way. With her courage and determination, Malala has shown what terrorists fear most: a girl with a book,” Ban said.
US President Barack Obama hailed the “passion and determination” of Malala Yousafzai.”
At just 17 years old, Malala Yousafzai has inspired people around the world” with her efforts to ensure all girls can get an education, Obama said in a statement.
“When the Taliban tried to silence her, Malala answered their brutality with strength and resolve,” he said, adding that he and his wife Michelle was “awe-struck by her courage” after a meeting in the Oval Office last year.
Obama said the honour bestowed upon Malala - the youngest Nobel laureate ever - and Satyarthi “reminds us of the urgency of their work to protect the rights and freedoms of all our young people.”  
The PTI chief Imran Khan tweeted: “Want to congratulate Malala on Nobel Peace Prize. Proud as Pakistani for her Nobel prize, especially for (the) cause of education which must be our national priority.”  
Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid said the entire nation was proud over the announcement of this prestigious award for a teenage activist who has become a worldwide symbol of fight against extremism, oppression of women and right to education.
Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq also felicitated Malala and said she is pride and identity of the nation and the entire world recognised her efforts for peace.
Minister for Interior Nisar Ali said the award was given to Malala in recognition of her bravery, unflinching determination and passion for education.
He said young Malala had refused to be intimidated by the extremists and continued her struggle for girls’ right to education.
Chairperson National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Marvi Memon said by winning Nobel Prize of Peace Malala had proved that peace prevails over terrorism.
She termed the winning of award by Malala a historic moment, saying that she was the daughter of the soil and the nation was proud of her.
Director General Unesco Irina Bokova while congratulating Malala said recognition of her role had brought into sharp focus the importance of education in the world.
The PPP co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari felicitated Malala and the people of Pakistan and said that by winning the Nobel Peace Prize Malala had made every Pakistani proud.
The former president said the award is recognition of Malala’s courage in standing up to the bigot and narrow mindedness. He said the Nobel Peace Prize to Malala strengthens national resolve to fight its battle against the extremists and fanatics with democracy, political commitment and support of the international community.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain congratulated the Pakistani nation on the awarding of Nobel Peace Prize to Malala. He said the award to Malala has proved that the Pakistani nation was moderate, progressive and enlightened having the potential of a completely civilised society.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Khurshid Shah felicitated Malala and said she has made her countrymen proud. He said her achievement was unparalleled.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif congratulated Malala and said it is an honour for Pakistan and its 180mn people.
 He said Malala is a daughter of Pakistan and has once again enhanced the image of the country. Shahbaz said Malala had proved that even the most difficult task could be accomplished through honesty, hard work and commitment.
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asim Bajwa also congratulated Malala.
In his message on Twitter, the DG ISPR greeted Malala and said except terrorists, all Pakistanis wanted to see their children in the schools.