Pakistan Police claim To Arrest Key Suspect In Child Activist Attack

Islamabad, Oct 13, IRNA – Police have claimed to arrest a suspect believed to be behind the attack on Malala Yousafzai, a 14-year Pakistani girl, who had won national award for her courage to stand against extremism. The arrest of the suspect was announced by the District Police Officer (DPO) of Swat. The suspect was moved to an undisclosed location for further investigations. Interior Minister Rehman Malik had earlier claimed that the attackers had been identified. Meanwhile Pakistan army spokesperson has said that Malala Yousufzai’s condition had improved, and that the next 36 to 48 hours were critical. Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj-Gen Asim Bajwa speaking to media representatives said the 14-year-old activist was undergoing tests. Taliban had claimed responsibility for the attack, accusing the minor girl of involved in ‘anti-Islam and anti Taliban propaganda’. The incident triggered widespread condemnation in the country and abroad and a group of Pakistani religious scholars Thursday issued a decree against the attack on the innocent girl. Protest rallies were held in parts of the country including the capital Islamabad on Thursday to condemn the Taliban attack. Special prayers for Malala’s recovery were offered on Friday on the appeal of the government./end