PESHAWAR: The Debates Society of Edwardes College Peshawar revived the tradition of mock parliamentary discussions to instill the spirit of leadership qualities and encourage the culture of dialogue among the students towards building a balanced society.

Around 28 teams of both boy and girl students from different grades and classes participated in the event conducted here the other day after a break of several decades.

The mock parliamentary debate was based on the British Parliament with some changes for the convenience and interest of the audience. The students played as prime minister and deputy prime minister, representing the UK government while two students spoke as leader of the position and deputy leader of the opposition. The teams were named as Head Hammers and Unpredictable, which fought a nail-biting contest.

A large number of students, faculty members and old Edwardians attended the event. Four students, two each from the winning and runners up teams, namely Mohammad Arham Jamil , Awias Alam, Afaq Amin and Hussain Ahmed were given commendation and consolation certificates.

Prof Mohammad Sadiq Zaki, the principal of the college, said that students should develop a taste for quality reading as it would lead them to become best orators and the best speakers would always come up with logical argument.

He said that a wise brain could never be defeated and a precise thought would always win over even the worst opposition. “Mock debate exercise would help youth to overcome intolerance and narrow-mindedness,” he added. Speaking as the chief guest, Mian Aftab Ali Shah, KP additional accountant general, said that such events could help students to develop skills how to argue with logic and confidence and how to listen and respect the opposite point of view not only on the floor of assembly but also in front of general public or even in a private debate.

He said that mock exercise of the parliamentary debates, especially of the advanced countries, gave an insight into how it worked towards establishing democratic norms, sense of responsibilities and respect for human dignity.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2020