UAE to play Pakistan for Malala charity

Malala Yousafzai, the schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban, launched the initiative with the British-born Pakistani footballer Kashif Siddiqi who used to play for Al Wasl in the Pro League.

DUBAI // The Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban has helped to set up a football match between the UAE and Pakistan to promote peace.

Malala Yousafzai, 15, launched the initiative with the British-born Pakistani footballer Kashif Siddiqi, 27, who used to play for Al Wasl in the Pro League.

The match will take place in Dubai on World Peace Day, September 21. Proceeds will go to the education charity set up in Malala's name.

Malala has the power "to be a role model for the next generation and beyond", Siddiqi said at the Peace and Sport Dubai Forum 2013 yesterday.

In a video message, Malala said: "Thank you for bringing awareness and support of education and equality for girls, through the power of sport, on such a significant day."

Malala, an outspoken critic of the Taliban's opposition to educating girls, was shot on her school bus in the Swat Valley on October 9. The militant group say they targeted her because she opposed them and promoted "western thinking".

She is still being treated in Britain for her injuries.