A TEENAGER who only survived a Taliban shooting in Pakistan by playing dead has visited Bradford to spread the importance of education in combatting terrorism.

Ahmad Nawaz, 15, sustained serious injuries when he was shot in the arm by the Taliban at his school in Peshawar on December 16 last year.

A total of 141 people were killed, including 132 schoolchildren.

He met the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds, at City Hall yesterday as part of a campaign against radicalisation.

Ahmad said: "Terrorism is because of illiteracy but education teaches good things.

"Things like this would not happen if people were educated. I wish to be a campaigner for education.

"I will work on the importance of education in the future.

"The first anniversary of the shooting will be a very special day for all of us. We will never forget that day.

"Everyone will be praying for the ones that we lost.

"We should remember their sacrifice for education.

"I am already a victim of the incident but I want to show them that I have not been affected by what happened to me.

"I'm feeling a lot better than before. The doctors say that it will take time before I get feeling back in my hand.

"I want to be a doctor myself in the future."

Ahmad had more than 14 hours of surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to repair bone and nerve damage to save the use of his arm.

A metal plate was placed in his arm and an artery was transplanted from his leg.

He now lives in Birmingham and is still receiving treatment as he is still unable to use his left hand.

His father, Muhammed Nawaz Khan, revealed Ahmad still suffers from flashbacks, particularly at night. He said Ahmad wakes up at night thinking the Taliban are going to attack him.

Mr Khan said: "I'm so proud of my son.

"He is campaigning about the importance of education and I am campaigning against terrorism.

"We need to find a way to control these extremists.

"We have had a good reception in Bradford and we are honoured that we have met the Lord Mayor."

Pakistani authorities agreed to pay for Ahmad's medical treatment in Birmingham after a campaign in Pakistan.

Cllr Dodds paid her own tribute to Ahmad's bravery.

She said: "He is so inspirational.

"I can't believe what he has been through.

"He is still encouraging people to go into education. He is so brave and humble."

Schools in Bradford are set to mark the first anniversary of the Peshawar shooting next month with a special assembly.