A 17-YEAR-OLD A level student, described as "an outstanding citizen", may be deported from the country on Christmas Day, despite fears his life could be in danger. QE High student Ahmer Rana, from Nantycaws, faces deportation to Pakistan when he reaches his 18th birthday on December 25, just six months before he completes his A levels. Ahmer, who has lived with foster parents Lesley and John Hillard in Nantycaws since 2008, was smuggled out of Pakistan as a 14-year-old after family fears he may be harmed — or even killed — in a feud involving enemies of his father. His only family, his father and mother, from Lahore, have since gone missing, and attempts to trace them through the British Red Cross have failed. Ahmer was told at a recent tribunal hearing that he must leave when he reaches 18. An appeal against the decision failed. Year 13 student Ahmer has gained the support of QE High head teacher Tim Day and MP Jonathan Edwards. Ahmer is also a keen cricketer, playing for Drefach, and won the club's most promising player of the year award during his first season. Deputy head of QE High and captain of the first team Allan Carter said: "He's very highly regarded in the club. we're a village club and everybody has taken him to our hearts." Ahmer finished: "It's not safe for me to go back. I would have to live on the street. "I feel British to be honest. I speak the language, play cricket for a club and have a family. what else should I do to stay?" A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "Both the UK Border Agency and the courts have fully considered Mr Rana's case and have found he is not in need of protection and must return to Pakistan. "Mr Rana's claim was turned down by the UK Border Agency and then by the appeal courts, where a judge found that elements of his case were inconsistent and that he had failed to show that he faces persecution in Pakistan. "We would rather individuals like Mr Rana leave the UK voluntarily when they have no basis to remain here, but if individuals defy the decisions of the courts we are left with no choice but to enforce their removal. The UK Government takes its international responsibilities seriously and we have a proud history of providing refuge to those in genuine need of our protection. We are collecting a petition together of names and e-mails from people who could greatly help Ahmer stay in the county. Its a much loved friend of many in Queen Elizabeth high school and it would ruin everybodys christmas' if he had to leave. We are intending on taking the petition up to London where Ahmer has another trail in following weeks. Everyone from Queen Elizabeth High School would much appreciate if you could help.

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