ABBOTTABAD: True patriotism and unity is the need of the hour to ensure progress and development of the country.

This was stated by speakers at the 20th All Pakistan Burn Hall Bilingual Declamation Competition, organised by the Army Burn Hall College, Abbottabad here.

As many as 30 teams from all over the country took part in the contest.

The team of Government College University Lahore won the overall championship trophy.

Its team included Saad Khan who got first position in English debate and his team mate Kafeel Rana first position in the Urdu contest.

In the final round, five each contestants in their emotional speeches brought the Scanlon Hall students and guests to their feats when they painted the true picture of bravery of the country’s heroes like Rashid Minhas Shaheed.

The speakers reminded the audience of the motto “no surrender, no retreat” of the soldiers.

In Urdu contest, the main topic was “Ham Nay Gulshan Kay Tahafuz Ki Qasam Khai Hai”. Chief guest retired Brig Mohammad Asif asked the students that success in every section of life was linked with the integrity and ability to perform.

He stressed upon the physical, mental and intellectual grooming as institutions should be treated as leadership academies. Army Burn Hall College for Boys principal Brig Wajid Qayoom Paracha thanked all the teams who participated in the competition. Later, shields and prizes were distributed among the winners, including cadet Suleman Khan of Cadet College Kohat, Umer Atizaz of Cadet College Hasanabdal and others.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2016