Malala: My return is ample proof that Pakistan is a peaceful country

Marrium Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Information visiting Swat Cadet college along with Nobel Laureate Malala Yusafzai at Swat on Mar. 31, 2018.
Updated 01 April 2018
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Malala: My return is ample proof that Pakistan is a peaceful country

ISLAMABAD: Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai Sunday terming the current law and order situation of Pakistan as very peaceful said peace had been restored completely in the country.
“This was made possible only with the sincere efforts of security forces and great sacrifices of civilians and Pakistan Army. My return to Pakistan was actually a success of Pakistan’s war against terrorism,” she said this in an interview with APP.
Malala praised the role of the government and Pakistan Army in restoring peace. “My dream of returning Pakistan was fulfilled due to the government of Pakistan and Pak Army’s sincere efforts”.
She said, “It was my dream to go back to Pakistan which comes true now. I waited for this moment for several years, hoping one day to return”.
She said, “Now I can tell the whole world with more confidence that there is complete peace in Pakistan and my return to my country was ample proof of this”.
She said now people could go to Swat, Hunza or anywhere in Pakistan as there was no terrorism and the people of Pakistan were also peace-loving.
Malala, appreciating present democratic government on completing its constitutional tenure, hoped that the next democratic government would also complete its tenure in Pakistan.
She said there was great responsibilities on country’s politicians’ shoulders to include the actual problems of the people in their parties manifestos and proposed that they should focus on issues like improving the education and health standards in the country.
She appealed the political leaders to ensure inclusion of matters like girls’ education in their manifestos and make plans to ensure girls access to primary, secondary and higher education.
She said, “Now a days my focus is only on my education ensuring every girl that she has right to higher education and making her future on her own choice. This approach is not only beneficial for a girl but also for entire society.”
She said she avoided considering negative comments on social media and also advised her supporters not to use harsh language against the opponents in her favour.
Malala Yousafzai, 20, won international renown after she was shot by the Taliban in Mingora. She received initial treatment in Pakistan and later, she was taken to England for further treatment and care. She stayed in the United Kingdom to continue her education and became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.


Pakistan forms committee to negotiate financial advisory services for Islamabad airport privatization

Updated 18 February 2026
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Pakistan forms committee to negotiate financial advisory services for Islamabad airport privatization

  • Committee to engage Asian Development Bank to negotiate terms of financial advisory services agreement, says privatization ministry
  • Inaugurated in 2018, Islamabad airport has faced criticism over construction delays, poor facilities and operational inefficiencies

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Privatization Ministry announced on Wednesday that it has formed a committee to engage the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to negotiate a potential financial advisory services agreement for the privatization of Islamabad International Airport.

The Islamabad International Airport, inaugurated in 2018 at a cost of over $1 billion, has faced criticism over construction delays, poor facilities, and operational inefficiencies.

The Negotiation Committee formed by the Privatization Commission will engage with the ADB to negotiate the terms of a potential Financial Advisory Services Agreement (FASA) for the airport’s privatization, the ministry said. 

“The Negotiation Committee has been mandated to undertake negotiations and submit its recommendations to the Board for consideration and approval, in line with the applicable regulatory framework,” the Privatization Ministry said in a statement. 

The ministry said Islamabad airport operations will be outsourced under a concession model through an open and competitive process to enhance its operational efficiency and improve service delivery standards. 

Pakistan has recently sought to privatize or outsource management of several state-run enterprises under conditions agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of a $7 billion bailout approved in September last year.

Islamabad hopes outsourcing airport operations will bring operational expertise, enhance passenger experience and restore confidence in the aviation sector.

In December 2025, Pakistan’s government successfully privatized its national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), selling 75 percent of its stakes to a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group. 

The group secured a 75 percent stake in the PIA for Rs135 billion ($482 million) after several rounds of bidding, valuing the airline at Rs180 billion ($643 million).

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said this week the government has handed over 26 state-owned enterprises to the Privatization Commission.