Islamabad (LTN NEWS): Ahmad Nawaz, a survivor of the terrible Army Public School Peshawar tragedy in 2014, has been voted as the president of the Oxford Union in yet another addition to his extensive list of honors and accomplishments.
Nawaz managed to survive the APS attack by “playing dead” but his brother, Haris, was martyred in the tragedy. Suffering from an injury in his left arm, Nawaz was taken to a hospital in the UK, from where he began his long battle against terrorism.
When he initially arrived in the UK, he was only fourteen and knew nothing of the English language or culture. However, he managed to pick himself up from there.
He regarded youth empowerment and education as the key to countering the brainwashing of kids to become terrorists and started a fundraising effort in the UK. With the funds received, he set up a school near the Syrian border during a period of political turbulence and also set aside provisions for the same end in the north-western districts of Pakistan.
Nawaz led the “Action Counters Terrorism” campaign and was invited to talk to schools and universities. In 2015, he was invited to speak at the House of Lords and a few years later, he was given the Princess Diana Legacy award for his work.
He later enrolled at the University of Oxford and began studying philosophy and religion there.
His accomplishments did not go unappreciated. After his election as the president of the Oxford Union, political leaders and celebrities alike commended his feat.
These included the PTI leader Imran Khan, current Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and President, Dr. Arif Alvi.
Imran khan said Congratulations Ahmad Nawaz on being elected President of Oxford Union. This brave young man who survived the 2014 APS terrorist attack, is an inspiration for all. Ahmad, you make us all proud with your spirit & determination reflected in your continuing achievements.
Shehbaz Sharif said Great honour & inspiring journey fuelled by determination & sheer will power. Ahmad Nawaz, who survived horrific attack on APS Peshawar, has become President of prestigious Oxford Union. He has set an example worthy of emulation by our youth. Pakistan is proud of you, Ahmad.
Dr. Arif Alvi said, Our biggest hope are youth of Pakistan. I congratulate Ahmad Nawaz, an APS survivor who also lost his brother Harris in the heinous Peshawar massacre, on being elected as President of Oxford Union. We must register that despite all setbacks Pakistan will keep on shining & rising.
