Protests throughout Pakistan condemning Taliban attack

They gathered in Karachi, and in Islamabad and in Lahore ---- united in their outrage over the shooting of Malala Yousufzai.

SOUNDBITE: Human Rights Activist, Tahira Abdulla saying;

"There is nothing more cowardly than for grown men to be attacking a little girl of 14 years old."

It was a sentiment echoed throughout the country. (Chanting) This sign says "The cowardly Taliban are afraid of an unarmed girl."

Many praised Malala -- who was in critical condition after being shot by the Taliban for promoting education for girls.

SOUNDBITE: Asra Tufail saying (Urdu):

"The attack on Malala Yousufzai is an attack on the daughters of the nation. This attack is not on an individual, but it is an attack on every Pakistani girl who wants to acquire education.

Images of the bandaged and bloody activist were splashed across the front pages of the country's major newspapers and have prompted widescale condemnation of the Taliban.

Schools through Swat, where Malala is from, were closed in protest over the shooting.