Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg

Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai has urged countries to open their borders to Afghan refugees, following the country's fall to the Taliban.

Yousafzai, who was previously shot in the head by a Taliban gunman for publicly advocating for women's and girls' rights to education, told BBC:

"We are seeing some shocking images on our screens right now. People are just escaping, they're finding a way to keep themselves safe. So when you see that, you realise that this is actually an urgent humanitarian crisis right now."

Urges countries to open their borders to Afghan refugees

Yousafzai said that every country "has a role and responsibility", and needs to open their borders to the Afghan refugees and displaced people.

She added that she had sent a letter to Pakistan's prime minister Imran Khan urging him to allow refugees in the country, and to also ensure that the refugee children have access to education, safety and protection.

Yousafzai previously wrote in a tweet on Aug. 15 that she was "deeply worried" about the women, minorities, and human right advocates in Afghanistan.

"Global, regional and local powers must call for an immediate ceasefire, provide urgent humanitarian aid and protect refugees and civilians," she said.

We watch in complete shock as Taliban takes control of Afghanistan. I am deeply worried about women, minorities and human rights advocates. Global, regional and local powers must call for an immediate ceasefire, provide urgent humanitarian aid and protect refugees and civilians.

— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) August 15, 2021

Joe Biden "has a lot to do"

According to BBC, Yousafzai said that U.S. President Joe Biden "has a lot to do" and must "take a bold step" to protect the Afghan people.

She explained that the U.S. is sending a "very wrong impression" after its Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, claiming it had been a successful one.

Yousafzai continued to urge world leaders, especially the UK and U.S., to intervene and protect civilians and refugees in Afghanistan.

She added that she has talked to leaders and members of the U.S. and UK governments, and has reached out to many other global leaders.

Taliban returned to power after 20 years

The Taliban has returned to power 20 years after they were ousted in 2001.

On Aug. 15, they declared an end to war in Afghanistan after taking control of the country's capital.

Since then, photos and videos have been circulating online, depicting tragic scenes at Kabul airport as civilians attempted to flee the country.

Afghans were also seen falling from a U.S. military plane after it had taken off. At least two people had reportedly fallen to their deaths.

A photo has also surfaced on social media, showing an overloaded U.S. military plane carrying over 600 Afghans out of the country.

Follow and listen to our podcast here:

Top photo via Getty Images.