Malala visits hometown in Pakistan and says she's never been so happy

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai on Saturday visited her hometown in Pakistan's Swat Valley for the first time since ever since the failed assassination attempt by the Taliban when she was a teenager.

Talking to Reuters, Malala said she's never been so happy before.

“I had never been so excited for anything. I’ve never been so happy before,” said the 20-year-old.

Malala, who is on a four-day trip to Pakistan, travelled from Islamabad to Swat via a helicopter and she was accompanied by State Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb among others. Besides visiting her home in the valley, Malala also visited Cadet College and Fizagat Park, reports said.

On Friday, Malala opened up to Geo News about her future plans, where she said she wished to return to the country.

“My plan is to return to Pakistan as this is my country,” said Malala. “I have the same right on the country as any another Pakistani.” She also spoke about her mission to provide quality education to the children in Pakistan and said every girl should be given the opportunity to fulfil dreams and become a part of society.

Malala also pointed out that there was a difference in the Pakistan of 2012 and 2018. "Certainly there is a difference and things are improving. People in our country are uniting for a better Pakistan. People are active, which is a very good thing,” she said.

In October 2012, a 15-year-old Malala was shot in the head by Taliban as she was returning from her school in Swat valley.

She suffered bullet injuries and was admitted to the military hospital in Peshawar but was later flown to London for further treatment. The shooting attained international condemnation and Malala became a symbol of resistance to the Taliban’s efforts to prevent women from getting an education.

In 2014, at 17-years-old, Malala became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote girls’ education and basic rights.