Brave and courageous polio-affected Salman Ahmad from Pakistan received “The Queen's Young Leaders” award for 2015. His achievements were recognized when he collected his award from Her Majesty The Queen at a ceremony held at the Buckingham Palace yesterday.

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK represented Pakistan at the award ceremony. He also met talented Salman Ahmad and commended him for his achievements.

Salman Ahmad, 27, was affected by polio in his childhood but he refused to let his mobility problems hold him back. He co-founded the GADE Foundation, which aims to encourage young men and women to become more involved in enterprise. It has so far established groups at 26 universities to organize its activities at a grassroots level. Salman hopes to change attitudes towards disabled people. He is the recipient of several international awards, including Commonwealth Scholarship and was nominated for Commonwealth Youth Award for Excellence in Development Work.

The Queen's Young Leader Award recognises and celebrates exceptional people aged 18-29 from across the Commonwealth, who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives. Winners of this prestigious Award receive a unique package of training, mentoring and networking, including a one-week residential programme in the UK during which they collect their Award from Her Majesty The Queen. With this support, Award winners are expected to continue and develop the amazing work in their communities.