New Pakistani Taliban leader is commander who oversaw shooting of Malala Yousafzai

The Pakistani Taliban elected hardline commander Mullah Fazlullah, whose men shot schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai last year, as their new leader on Thursday.

The rise of Fazlullah, known for his fierce Islamist views, by the Taliban Shura council follows the killing of former leader Hakimullah Mehsud, in a U.S. drone strike last week.

With Thursday's announcement, the Taliban ruled out peace talks with the Pakistani government.

A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue.