Malala Yousafzai’s parents visited flood-affected districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this week, where hundreds of lives have been lost. Ziauddin Yousafzai, co-founder of Malala Fund, and his wife Toor Pekai Yousafzai traveled to Buner, Shangla, and Swat to meet survivors and express solidarity.
Speaking in Buner, Ziauddin said they stood with people in this difficult time. He noted that while the floods had destroyed homes and livelihoods, the presence of Malala Yousafzai’s parents aimed to reassure survivors that they were not forgotten.
The couple visited Mohallah Landikas and Mohallah Bangladesh in Mingora, Swat, and villages in Buner like Pir Baba and Pishoni, where severe destruction has taken place. More than 250 deaths have been reported in these areas. Malala Yousafzai’s parents also met relief workers helping families with food, medicine, and shelter.
Dr. Nishat Riaz, CEO of Malala Fund, highlighted that although the Fund is not a relief agency, it is focused on restoring education. She said schools often shut first and reopen last after disasters. Ensuring children return to classrooms quickly is a priority.
The delegation also met teachers and school representatives to assess damage to education infrastructure. At a networking event in Islamabad, the Malala Fund honored volunteers, students, doctors, and journalists for their flood response. Participants shared experiences, highlighted needs, and urged better coordination of aid.
Rebuilding schools was a key demand during the visit. Ziauddin Yousafzai also called for stronger environmental safeguards. He stressed that construction near riverbanks worsens flood impacts and urged global action on climate resilience.
“These floods are not only natural, they are man-made,” he said. “We must change our ways to prevent future devastation.”
In other news read more about: Heavy Rainfall Cools Weather in Punjab, KP, and Islamabad
