Malala becomes latest money-making tool amongst Pak-origin community in UK

The horrific attack on Pakistani teenager Malala Yousufzai by the Taliban is being seen as another money-making venture by certain sections of the society.

Following the widespread publicity of the attack on Malala, who was shot by the Taliban for advocating female education, several people in the British Pakistani community are reportedly raising money in her name to "promote education", reports The News.

There is little transparency and clarity in how these funds are raised, where the money will be spent and who will oversee the fundraising as well as the implementation.

The Pakistan High Commission and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where the 15-year-old is being treated, have said that Malala's family has not authorized any individual or organization to collect any donation or fund for setting up any institution.

"Those who are using the name of Malala or the High Commission for Pakistan in UK for setting up any project or collecting donations should refrain from it. The Pakistan High Commission and Malala's family recognize only one Fund that has been set up by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for Malala," the PHC said in a statement.

A hospital spokesman said that the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity (QEHB Charity) has set up an account within the main hospital fund to support Malala and it had not extended support to any organisation or individual outside.