APS Massacre 2014 survivor elected for Oxford university union presidency.

Ahmad Nawaz, a survivor of the 16 December 2014 terrorist attack at Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar, was elected as the President of Oxford Union on Monday.

Ahmad Nawaz, 21, arrived in Britain aged 14 after his brother was killed in the attack. Since taking the reins of the union, he has said he wants to make it appeal more to marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities and disabled students.

"I have always aspired to serve my country and bring about a positive change for youth empowerment and education," said Nawaz after his victory. "I am grateful for this opportunity that will allow me to represent my country and its people in the international arena."

Nawaz became known internationally after he survived the horrific and brutal APS attack that killed over 150 students. He was honored with Oxford's prestigious ‘Exemplary Bravery Award’ for standing up against terrorism and talking about his experiences as an APS survivor. Ahmed Nawaz suffered several injuries after which he was treated exclusively at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. After complete rehabilitation he returned to a healthy life and then began his education in London.

Nawaz reads philosophy and theology at Lady Margaret Hall, the?college that was attended by Malala Yousafzai in 2016. Nawaz’s rise is simply just as remarkable, with the student achieving an A grade at English GCSE, a secondary school qualification in Great Britain, despite arriving with limited English less than three years before he sat for the exams.

Nawaz is not the first Pakistani president of the Oxford Union. Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the former prime minister who was assassinated in 2007, led the very debating group in 1977, becoming the first Asian woman to hold the title.

Ahmed says Oxford University is a hub for billionaire children and those from prestigious public schools. It should open its arms to the children of the poor and the families with less resources. He got votes for the same purpose.

“I was determined and when I came to Oxford I was quite ambitious but I never thought I would get involved with the union,” Nawaz said. “This shows there are no limits, whatever your background.”

Ahmad’s intention on graduating is to go back to Pakistan and continue his work. “There’s always more change to enact, more people to empower. There’s a whole lot of living I have left to do”. Ahmad’s enthusiasm in spite of everything he’s been through is remarkable.