ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) organised the 15th Punjab Region Inter University debate contest for the award of Allama Iqbal Shield 2012.

72 contestants from 31 public and private sector educational institutions of Punjab participated in the contest.

According to a press release issued by HEC on Sunday, the top three winners (both in English and Urdu debate contests) were awarded cash prizes and shields. In team competition, the top scorers, English and Urdu debate, qualified for the final round of All Pakistan Inter University debate contest for the award of Allama Iqbal shield.

First, second and third positions in English debating contest were secured by Ahmed Nadir from UET, Taxila, Umar Khayam from Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, and Safia Zia form University of Gujrat, respectively.

In the Urdu debating contest, first, second and third positions were won by Hamza Hameed Tarar from the University of Punjab, Lahore, Salman Tariq from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, and Talah Wali UET, Lahore, respectively.—A Reporter