KARACHI, Oct 22: The preliminary round of the 8th All Pakistan Inter-University Urdu/English Debating Contest for Award of Allama Iqbal Shield was held by the University of Karachi on Wednesday.

Over 20 debaters from the university departments or educational institutions affiliated with the University of Karachi participated in the contest. Dean Faculty of Arts, Dr Abuzar Wajdi, preside over the session, while senior teachers of the university constituted the panel of judges.

Debate over the topic— “Geographical Boundaries Are More Important Than Historical Boundaries”— attracted a good number of students.

One group of speakers maintained that geographical demarcations gave an identity to people and helped them achieve their targets and confirm their aspirations set in historical perspective.

The other group argued that historical facts and references caused the necessity of geographical limits wherein some specified thoughts and ideologies were promoted and safeguarded.

The resolution was rejected with the latter group winning the day.

Four of the best-speaker prizes out of six went to those who spoke in favour. KU Students Adviser, Prof Rais Ahmed, announced the results.

The first three winners of the best-speaker prizes in the two categories are as follows:

English: Ist—Amna Zia of the Psychology department of the university, 2nd—Aisha Beg of St Joseph’s College and 3rd—Mahwish Ejaz of the DHA College for Women.

Urdu: Ist—Uroosa Sadaf of Government College for Women, Korangi, 2nd—Najmus Sehar of Sheikh Zayed Research Centre and 3rd Munibah Hassan of St Joseph’s College.