Walid Khan, a student who survived the 2014 attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, has reacted to comparing himself and Malala on social media.
In a recent interview with British magazine Vogue, he was criticized for his views on Malala’s marriage. Social media users compared him to Waleed and suggested that Malala learn from him.
From a long time I have been seeing images of me and Malala circulating around. I would like to request everyone please stop this comparison. We can’t uplift one person by degrading the other. Malala is an inspiration for many young ppl like me and millions around the world.
— Waleed Khan (@WaleedKhanAPs) June 4, 2021
In this regard, the social networking site Twitter Proleed Khan wrote,
“I have been looking at pictures of myself and Malala circulating for a long time, I request that this comparison be closed. We can’t degrade one and bring the other up. Malala is a role model for millions of young people like me around the world. ”
Waleed Khan clarified that Malala’s family was like my own family in all these trips and we should be proud of all of them instead of comparing all the people who have made a name for Pakistan.
Malala’s family has been like a family to me throughout this journey. We should be proud of every person that has earned great name for Pakistan instead of drawing constant comparison between them.
— Waleed Khan (@WaleedKhanAPs) June 4, 2021
Waleed said he is based in Birmingham for his treatment, where he continues his education. Expressing gratitude for the love he received, he wrote,
“I humbly request that this comparison be stopped.”
Waleed, 12, was shot six times in the face in a terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar on December 16, 2016, but miraculously survived. Waleed was later taken to London for treatment, where he underwent several surgeries.
The attack killed more than 150 people, including 132 children.
