Wounded Pakistani girl flown to Britain

BIRMINGHAM, England -- A teenage Pakistani activist shot in the head by the Taliban arrived in Britain yesterday for specialized medical care and for protection from follow-up attacks threatened by the militants. Her condition is stable and she has a chance at "a good recovery," officials said.

The attack on 14-year-old Malala Yousufzai as she was on a bus going home from school in Pakistan's northwest a week ago horrified people across the country and abroad. It also sparked hope that the Pakistani government might respond by intensifying its fight against the Taliban and their allies.

Malala was targeted for promoting girls' education and criticizing the Taliban's behavior when they took over the Swat Valley, where she lived. Two of her classmates also wounded in the attack are receiving treatment in Pakistan.

The Taliban have threatened to go after Yousufzai again until she is killed because she promotes "Western thinking." Yousufzai, who had been receiving treatment at a Pakistani military hospital, arrived at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham in the afternoon.

The hospital has a trauma center specializing in treating gunshot wounds, major head injuries and road accident victims. It is home to the Royal Center for Defense Medicine, the primary receiving unit for military casualties returning from overseas. Its advanced equipment would help in Yousufzai's treatment, officials said.

Dave Rosser, the hospital's medical director, said doctors believe Yousufzai "has a chance of making a good recovery."

Pakistan's military had said a panel of doctors recommended that Yousufzai be shifted to a center in Britain that has the ability to provide integrated care to children who have sustained severe injuries.

Yousufzai was flown out of Pakistan yesterday in a specially equipped air ambulance provided by the United Arab Emirates, the Pakistani military said.

Pakistani doctors removed a bullet that entered her head and was headed toward her spine. The military said she was able to move her legs and hands several days ago.

The military said damaged bones in Yousufzai's skull will need to be repaired or replaced, and she will need "intensive neuro rehabilitation." The decision to send the girl abroad was taken in consultation with her family, and the Pakistani government will pay for her treatment.