A TEENAGE asylum seeker has excelled in his exams despite fearing deportation to Pakistan.
Somer Umeed Bakhsh, of Springburn Academy, earned four As and a B in his Highers.
The 16-year-old, who aspires to be an astrophysicist, got As in Maths, Chemistry, Physics and English and a B in Design and Manufacture.
Somer and his family, his mum Parveen and dad Maqsood, have received public support in their bid not to be deported to Pakistan where they fear persecution for their Christian faith.
The pupil said: “I am 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.”
Nearly 94,000 people have signed two petitions calling on the Home Office not to deport Somer and his brother, Areeb, 14, from Scotland.
The family attend Possilpark Parish Church where they are described as “leading lights” of the congregation.
Church minister, Rev Linda Pollock, said: “Somer is living under considerable strain and he is an example to us all.
“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.”
Rev Pollock added that Somer 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.
“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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