New Delhi: For Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, music was a source of confidence and freedom long before she became an inspiration to millions worldwide. However, in 2008, when the Taliban seized control of her hometown in Swat Valley, her world changed drastically. The extremist group banned television and music, enforcing severe punishments for defiance. More critically, they barred girls from attending school—a decree Malala refused to accept. Later that year, she moved to a place where she could continue her education.
In October 2012, Malala was just 15 years old when a masked gunman shot her in the head. After a life-saving treatment, she woke up 10 days later in a Birmingham hospital, where doctors told her that the world was praying for her recovery. Last week, Malala experienced a “magical” full-circle moment at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in London. She used this occasion to reflect on her past and shared heartwarming memories from her childhood on Instagram. The post featured photos with her husband Asser Malik and friends, along with throwback images of her and her best friend Moniba during a trip in Swat Valley.
Malala highlighted the tragic reality in Afghanistan, where the Taliban’s resurgence once again silenced music and stripped away women’s rights to education, work, and public life. “In Swat, music made my friends and me feel confident and free. I hope we live in a world where every girl can enjoy music and live out her wildest dreams,” she wrote.
Revisiting her “Swiftie journey,” Malala recalled performing Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” with Moniba during a school trip. After years of living under a music ban, that performance marked a special moment of joy and resilience. For Malala, attending Swift’s concert was a fitting continuation of that journey.
