The father of Pakistani 15-year-old Malala Yousufzai, shot by the Taliban on her way to school in the Swat Valley, has issued a statement on her behalf, thanking well-wishers for their support.
Malala is recovering in a UK hospital after gunmen shot her in the head on October 9 for standing up against the Taliban and openly advocating education for women.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FATHER OF MALALA, ZIAUDDIN YOUSUFZAI, SAYING (PART SPEAKING OVER PICTURES OF MALALA IN HOSPITAL ROOM/MESSAGES):
"Malala is recovering well and wants me to tell you she has been inspired and humbled by the thousands of cards, messages and gifts that she has received - they have helped my daughter survive and stay strong,"
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FATHER OF MALALA, ZIAUDDIN YOUSUFZAI, SAYING (PART SPEAKING OVER PICTURES OF MALALA IN HOSPITAL ROOM/MESSAGES):
"She wants me to tell everyone how grateful she is and is amazed that men, women and children from across the world are interested in her well-being. Malala stands for human dignity, tolerance and plurality,"
The attack has drawn widespread international condemnation and Malala has become a powerful symbol of resistance to the Taliban's attempts to suppress women's rights.
