A GLASWEGIAN teenager battling a “death sentence” deportation to Pakistan has managed to achieve As and Bs in his Highers.
Last year we told of how the community in Springburn had rallied round 16-year-old Somer, his younger brother Areeb and their parents, after a plea for asylum was rejected by the Home Office.
The boys fled their country of birth in 2012 with midwife mum Parveen and data analyst dad Maqsood after receiving death threats from Islamic extremists over their Christian faith. The Home Office have denied the four asylum, saying they should settle in another part of Pakistan.
More than 93,000 people have now signed petitions calling for the Umeed-Bakhsh family to be given the right to stay here.
Despite the stress and trauma of living with the uncertainty and the fear he could be kicked out of the country he calls home, Somer achieved As in Maths, Chemistry, Physics and English and a B in Design and Manufacture.
He said: “I’m extremely pleased with my exam results.
“I want to thank my primary school teachers who provided me with a strong foundation and my secondary school teachers who put in the hard work and taught me.
“I am also very thankful for my parents who, despite the stressful situation, always encouraged and supported me.
“Above all, I want to thank God who helped me to stay focused on my studies in the midst of these tough times.”
Minister, Rev Linda Pollock from the Possilpark Parish Church said Somer was an “example to us all.”
She paid tribute to the teenager: “How many adults would be able to achieve 4 A’s and 1 B at Higher level whilst coping with the threat of imminent departure to a place where they are a target for extremist Islamists?
“His hard work and focus is commendable and you must also know that he has not been a recluse.
“He has a very active social life and he works with kids living with difficult circumstances.”
Pollock said Somer, who along with his brother consider themselves Scottish, is a good cricket player and is a member of his local club’s under-19 team.
“He is a gift to our community and our congregation and we are thankful for him and his family,” she added.
“How irresponsible would it be for the Home Office to deport this youngster when he has hardly begun to live. If he is offering so much at 16 years of age what will he offer at 30.”
The family’s case is still under review and the Home Office has yet to make a decision.
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