Malala appeals to Pakistani people to vote for change

Islamabad: Malala Yousufzai, teenage rights activist who was shot in the head by the Taliban, on Saturday appealed to people to exercise their franchise, saying "one vote can change" Pakistan`s future.

"It`s an honour for me to share some words with my sisters and brothers in my country," Malala said in a letter carried by the Dawn newspaper. "If we want education, electricity and natural gas in our country, we must take a step," the 15-year-old said. "Let`s vote for our country. We never realised how much powerful our vote is. One vote can change our future," she said. Pakistan`s landmark polls set in motion the first democratic transition of power in the country`s 66-year history. "It`s our vote that chooses which politicians will govern our motherland. I request all my sisters and mothers to move forward, go to polling station and vote. It`s our right," Malala appealed to the people. "And one day, a change will come. All girls and boys will be going to schools and there will be peace everywhere," she said. Malala was shot in Pakistan`s conservative Swat Valley on October 9 last year and was air-lifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on October 15 for further specialist treatment. She received bullet wounds just above her left eye. Malala has undergone two successful operations to attach a titanium plate and cochlear implant. She was discharged from the hospital, earlier this year. PTI