14-year-old Pakistani activist sent to UK for medical treatment

Malala Yusufzai, 14, has been sent to the UK for medical treatment. The Pakistani teenager was shot in the head and neck by the Taliban for her activism in favour of education for girls.  A military spokesman said Yusufzai, whose shooting has drawn condemnation abroad and at home, would require prolonged care to fully recover physically and psychologically.

An air ambulance has been provided by the United Arab Emirates to transport Malala. She is travelling from Islamabad with her parents and medical staff. "The panel of doctors recommended that Malala be shifted abroad to a UK centre which has the capability to provide integrated care to children who have sustained severe injury," the spokesman said.

Malala has become a potent symbol of resistance against the Pakistani Taliban's efforts to deprive girls of an education.

Pakistanis have held some protests and candlelight vigils, but government officials have refrained from publicly criticising the Taliban by name over the attack, in what critics say is a lack of resolve against extremism.

However, the Pakistani authorities have offered a reward of more than £62,000 for the capture of her attackers.

She and two classmates were attacked by gunmen as they were on their way home from school in Swat, in the northwest of Pakistan.

Malala received life-saving treatment by neurosurgeons at the country's top military hospital in Rawalpindi, the twin city of the capital Islamabad, where doctors on Sunday removed her ventilator for a "successful" short trial.

"The medical team treating Malala have been reviewing her progress at regular intervals and consulting with international experts," the spokesman said.

"The acute phase has been managed in accordance with international standards and the medical team is pleased with her present condition, which has been described as optimal."

Pakistan has agreed to cover Malala's medical expenses in the UK.