The survivor of the horrific 2014 APS attack in Peshawar, has been honored with the prestigious Princess Diana Award for his humanitarian efforts and so, has become the first Pakistani to receive the feat.
The Diana Award was founded as a legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales. The purpose of the award is to empower young people to change the world. Since 1999, the reputable award has recognized over 45,000 youngsters who have achieved some extraordinary things in this world.
Ahmad was 14 when his school was attacked by members of the Taliban. He managed to save himself, but badly got injured due to which he was brought over to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment.
The 18-year-old took to Twitter to express his gratitude, writing that it has boosted his morale and he “will continue to do positive work for the society and young people.”
Honoured to receive the @DianaAward at the Parliament House in London. It has indeed uplifted my morale.
I will continue to do the positive work for the society and young people. Thanks to everyone for your love and support. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wYZGvPc25j— Ahmad Nawaz (@Ahmadnawazaps) July 1, 2019
Ahmad also shared a touching video message on social media via British news network ITV news. “That was the most horrible day of my life and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget that,” he said, referring to the APS tragedy.
.@Ahmadnawazaps has been honoured with the @DianaAward for his work to stop young people becoming radicalised.
He survived a Taliban attack in Pakistan in 2014, which saw his brother and friends killed. He tells his story to educate young people & inspire them. pic.twitter.com/aW5zAMBnTd— ITV News Central (@ITVCentral) July 1, 2019
He continued, “I realised there was a problem with radicalisation in the UK. Children were going towards terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq. I thought if I could help stop these children that would be the best revenge, taking the revenge from the terrorists.”
On 16 December 2014 Taliban gunmen attacked the Army Public School in Peshawar. More than 150 people were killed, 132 of them children.
