ISLAMABAD, OCT 8: /DNA/ – Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, clinched the top position in the Urdu Debate category, while Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST), Islamabad, secured first place in the English Debate at the Pakistan Universities Debating Championship (PUDC) 2024–25, organised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
In the Urdu category, the Institute of Management Sciences (IMS), Peshawar, and the National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad, won second and third positions respectively. In the English category, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, bagged second place, while GIFT University, Gujranwala, stood third.
The winners received cash prizes worth PKR 200,000, PKR 150,000, and PKR 100,000 respectively, along with trophies, during the prize distribution ceremony held at the HEC Auditorium, Islamabad.
The jury for the National Round included Dr Fozia Aslam, Chairperson, Urdu Department at NUML; Barrister Muhammad Mumtaz Ali, Former Additional Advocate General, Supreme Court; Dr Sadiq Khan, Senior News Editor, PTV; Professor Aroosa Kanwal, Chairperson, English Department, Quaid-i-Azam University; and Dr Muhammad Fayaz, Dean and Principal, Law School, Bahria University. Also gracing the event were Vice Chancellor Air University Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan HI(M), Director General Academics HEC Dr Amjad Hussain, HEC officials and faculty from universities across Pakistan.
The National Round of PUDC 2024–25 brought together top university debaters from across Pakistan to compete in Urdu and English debates. The event provided a national platform for students to demonstrate eloquence, critical thinking and persuasive communication, reflecting HEC’s commitment to fostering dialogue, leadership and academic excellence among youth.
Welcoming the participants, Engr. Muhammad Raza Chohan, Adviser (Academics), HEC, highlighted the evolution of the debating format for the HEC Championship, noting that the shift to the “for and against” model has enhanced the depth and quality of discourse. He appreciated the participants’ insightful arguments and encouraged them to use debate as a means of intellectual growth and national development.
Addressing the participants as Chief Guest, Ms Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, lauded the energy and sportsmanship displayed by the students. She remarked that the true essence of debate lies in learning to listen, respect differing opinions and build understanding. Commending HEC for nurturing this culture of tolerance and acceptance, she said, “This spirit of dialogue and respect is what strengthens Pakistan’s social fabric. No matter our backgrounds or beliefs, in the end, we are all Pakistan.”
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes and a group photograph, celebrating the talent, confidence and camaraderie of Pakistan’s university debaters.
