Malala Yousafzai was the only Pakistani who made it to the annual list of 100 Most Influential People in the World released by Time Magazine on Thursday.
Malala came under international spotlight after Taliban attacked her in Swat for campaigning for girls’ education. She received a bullet injury to her head but successfully recovered after undergoing a surgery in Britain.
“The Taliban almost made Malala a martyr; they succeeded in making her a symbol,” said the Time 100 website.
“The memoir she is writing to raise awareness about the 61 million children around the world who are not in school indicates she accepts that unasked-for responsibility as a synonym for courage and a champion for girls everywhere. However Malala concludes her book, her story so far is only just beginning,” it added.
Malala was named under the “Icons” category of the list, with other renowned personalities including Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, US first lady Michelle Obama, singer Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake.
The “Leaders” category included US President Barack Obama, US Senator Rand Paul, Director Central Intelligence Agency John Brennan, North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and Pope Francis.
Singer Christina Aguilera, director Steven Spielberg and talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel came under the “Artists” category, while Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and satirist Bassem Youssef were named “Pioneers”.
