A STUDENT found himself the centre of world attention after he grilled American defence secretary Colin Powell live on TV.

Amar Abass asked the defence chief if troops would pursue Al Qaeda suspects into Pakistan during a special debate on MTV.

After Mr Powell said they would, Blackburn student Amar's question was broadcast on news channels around the world including CNN and Sky News.

Amar, 19, of Bank Top, was chosen to appear on MTV to question the world famous defence expert, thanks to his work as a representative of the national youth parliament and a member of the National Youth Forum.

He questioned Mr Powell on plans for the Middle East in light of events in Afghanistan.

He said: "He is the second most powerful man in the world, so I felt really powerful for a while.

"I also said I would do it because I had heard that, as it was going to be filmed live, he would have to answer everything. He couldn't dodge any issues."

Amar was whisked to London for filming, along with other young people from all over the world, including four from Israel.

He said: "I asked him about the Middle East. I wanted to know whether troops were going to pursue the Al Qaeda troops, who had fled into Pakistan. He said that yes, they certainly would be.

"I hoped he would be more specific, that he would say how they were going to do it, or the timescale.

"But, it was still a good experience, because he didn't know what we were going to ask, and still answered

"I would have asked him a follow-up question, but was not able to, as my time had run out."

Amar had auditioned for the show and said he was not overawed by the event.

"I was a bit nervous, because this was an incredibly powerful man. But it was also very exciting, as you don't get to question a man like that every day."