ISLAMABAD: The All-Pakistan Private Schools Federation has banned “I am Malala”, the book written about teenage activist Malala Yousufzai and was co-written with British journalist Christina Lamb, saying that it will have a negative effect on its readers.
The federation, a representative body for over 152,000 schools across the country, also stated that the book was not completely respectful of the Islamic religion.
“In this book are many comments that are contrary to our ideology,” said Mirza Kashif, the federation’s Chairman.
Kashif said that the federation also has banned Malala’s book in its affiliated schools. Malala ”was a role model for children, but this book has made her controversial,” Kashif said.
”Through this book, she became a tool in the hands of the Western powers,” Kashif said.
The federation’s chairman said the book did not show enough respect for Islam because it mentioned Prophet Muhammad’s name without using the abbreviation PBUH ”peace be upon him” as is customary in many parts of the Muslim world.
Kashif also said it spoke favorably of author Salman Rushdie, who angered many Muslims with his book ”The Satanic Verses,” and Ahmadis, members of a minority sect that have been declared non-Muslims under Pakistani law.
