Islamabad, Dec 18: Umar Nawaz, an 18-year-old striker and Wrexham FC Academy scholar, has made his debut for Pakistan’s national football team, nearly eleven years after losing his elder brother in the 2014 Army Public School terror attack in Peshawar.
Nawaz was seven years old when his brother Haris was killed in the Pakistan Taliban attack that left 141 people dead. Another brother, Ahmad, was injured after being shot in the arm and required emergency surgery. Following the attack, the family relocated to the United Kingdom, where Nawaz later began rebuilding his life through football.
After settling in Birmingham, Nawaz learned English within four months and started playing football at the local level. His performances earned him a place at Bournville FC, from where he was scouted by Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers before joining Wrexham FC’s academy.
Standing 6ft 3in tall, Nawaz describes himself as a physical striker inspired by Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. His disciplined training regime and development in English football culminated in his first senior international appearance for Pakistan against Syria in November.
The match marked Nawaz’s first return to Pakistan since his family left the country, a visit he described as emotionally difficult but significant. Despite the painful memories associated with Peshawar, he said representing Pakistan at international level was a moment of pride.
Nawaz said he did not feel safe returning to Pakistan after the 2014 attack and credited the UK with providing a sense of security and stability during his formative years. He added that his late brother would have been proud of his achievement.
Nawaz’s journey from tragedy to international football highlights the role of sport in recovery and integration, while underscoring the lasting impact of terrorism on families affected by violence.
