The Associated Press reports: Despite widespread outrage over the Taliban shooting of a female teenage activist, Pakistani leaders and opinion makers are divided over whether the government should respond by targeting the militants’ last major sanctuary along the Afghan border.

The U.S. has long pressed Pakistan to launch an operation in the remote and mountainous North Waziristan tribal area, home to enemies of Islamabad as well as to militants fighting U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The recent attack on 14-year-old Malala Yousufzai has given new momentum to the debate.

One side argues the government should harness anger over the shooting to build public support for a push into North Waziristan. The other claims more fighting isn’t the answer and would trigger a violent backlash. They recommend peace negotiations and ending Pakistani support for the U.S. war in Afghanistan.

The Associated Press of Pakistan adds: The Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson said on Thursday that it was unfortunate that the attack on Malala Yousafzai was being used to justify the launch of a military operation in North Waziristan.

During a weekly briefing, FO spokesperson Moazzam Ali Khan condemned the attack on the 14-year-old child rights activist and said that it could not be justified in any manner.