Attack on teen peace activist Malala could be 'turning point' for Pakistan's future: Khar

Islamabad -: Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has said that the attack on 14-year-old peace activist Malala Yousufzai was a "wake up call" and could present a "turning point" in the war between two futures for Pakistan.

Malala, who earned international fame for raising voice against Taliban oppression in Swat, was shot in the neck and head and two other girls sustained injuries when the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) opened fire on their school van in Swat valley on Tuesday.

The Express Tribune quoted Khar as saying that the attack had left her personally and the government "disgusted".

"There is absolutely no doubt in any Pakistani's mind that this is a force, this is a mindset that is a challenge for Pakistan's future. This is a mindset that we need to fight with all our will and we endanger ourselves more if we don't fight it today," Khar said.

Khar said the incident relayed the message to not only Pakistan, but the entire world that "we have a clear and present danger in terms of people who choose to use violence as a means to follow whatever their agenda and to what extent they would go".

Khar said Malala has presented two clear options for the public in Pakistan.

"She has put it as a black and white question. She has put it as either you are with the future that she represents or the future they (Taliban) are trying to impose," Khar was quoted, as saying.

Khar said many arrests have been made regarding the attack.

Khar went on to explain that a number of groups operated under the umbrella of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the group that has claimed responsibility for the attack on Malala.

"Earlier there was a group intending to attack her, and they were taken in before they were able to attack (Malala) and that this was a newer group that has emerged," she said of the attackers.