Television host Tabish Hashmi has replied to actor Ahmed Ali Butt, who had earlier publicly criticized Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai for not commenting on the reported deaths of Iranian schoolgirls in a recent attack attributed to the US and Israel.
Ahmed Ali Butt had posted on Instagram, questioning Malala's silence in the aftermath of reports about a school attack in Iran. In his post, he wrote, "More than 160 girls were killed by US on the first day of W [War], still waiting for this pupit [Malala] to say anything."
His remarks quickly drew attention online. Tabish then shared a response on his Instagram story. He posted a screenshot of Malala’s earlier statement in which she condemned the attack on the school.
Referring to Ahmed Ali Butt’s criticism, Tabish wrote, "She actually was the 1st one to speak about it Butt sb."
Malala took to X on March 1, condemning the attack on the school and expressing concern over the loss of young lives.
She wrote, "They were girls who went to school to learn, with hopes and dreams for their future."
"Today, their lives were brutally cut short. I am heartbroken and appalled by the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, including reports that a girls’ school in southern Iran was hit, resulting in the injury and death of many girls. The killing of civilians, especially children, is unconscionable, and I condemn it unequivocall," she added.
She further added, "My heart is with the children, families and communities affected by escalation across the region. I stand firmly against violence and the targeting of schools and civilians. I call for the escalation of violence across the region to end. Justice and accountability must follow. All states and parties must uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and safeguard schools. Every child deserves to live and learn in peace"
On February 28, a missile struck a girls’ school in southern Iran, killing more than 170 people, most of them schoolgirls.
Since then, Israel and the US have tried to distance themselves from the attack, even evidence mounted up pointing towards the US being responsible for the killings.
An investigation by Amnesty International into the strike has blamed the US for the deliberate, deadly attack and urged the authorities to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation to ensure accountability.
Read more: Tabish Hashmi wasn’t first pick for Hasna Mana Hai
