Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has returned to her childhood home in Swat after 13 years, marking her first visit since surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012.

According to British media reports, Malala, who is now a British citizen, travelled to Swat on Wednesday with her husband and father. The visit was kept secret for security reasons.

She later shared pictures of the snow-covered mountains and river, calling the homecoming a “beautiful moment of my life.”

“In my childhood, I spent every holiday in Shangla with my family, playing by the river and sharing meals. Coming back after 13 years brings me immense joy. This place is very close to my heart, and I always want to return,” Malala said.

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Earlier this year, Malala visited Pakistan to attend a summit on girls’ education in Islamabad.

Although she has made several trips to Pakistan in the past 13 years, this was her first return to Swat, the valley where she was shot in the head by the Taliban at the age of 15 for advocating girls’ education.

During her visit, security was heightened, and certain areas were sealed off. Malala’s return also included a commitment from the Malala Fund, ensuring free and high-quality education in colleges.

Additionally, Malala extended her condolences to the families of victims in the recent twin suicide bombings in Bannu, which claimed 13 civilian lives and five security personnel.

She expressed solidarity with the affected families and prayed for peace in every corner of Pakistan.