Malala appeals to Pakistani people to vote for change

Malala Yousufzai, teenage rights activist who was shot in the head by the Taliban, today appealed to people to exercise their franchise, saying "one vote can change" Pakistan's future.

"It's an honour for me to share some words with my sisters and brothers in my country," Malala said in a letter carried by the Dawn newspaper.

"If we want education, electricity and natural gas in our country, we must take a step," the 15-year-old said.

"Let's vote for our country. We never realised how much powerful our vote is. One vote can change our future," she said.

Pakistan's landmark polls set in motion the first democratic transition of power in the country's 66-year history.

"It's our vote that chooses which politicians will govern our motherland. I request all my sisters and mothers to move forward, go to polling station and vote. It's our right," Malala appealed to the people.

"And one day, a change will come. All girls and boys will be going to schools and there will be peace everywhere," she said.

Malala was shot in Pakistan's conservative Swat Valley on October 9 last year and was air-lifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on October 15 for further specialist treatment. She received bullet wounds just above her left eye.

Malala has undergone two successful operations to attach a titanium plate and cochlear implant. She was discharged from the hospital, earlier this year.