The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has officially launched the Pakistan Universities Debating Championship (PUDC) 2024–25, a nationwide platform aimed at nurturing leadership, critical thinking, and public speaking among university students. As part of the initiative’s provincial rounds, the Punjab Regional Round was recently held at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, with organizational support from HEC’s Lahore Regional Centre.
The championship drew participation from over 320 students and focal persons representing more than 50 public and private universities across Punjab. The competition featured Parliamentary-style debates in both English and Urdu, with participants addressing a spectrum of pressing national and international issues. The debates were assessed by a panel of six seasoned judges, who commended the competitors for their analytical depth and eloquence.
In the English debate category, the winning teams included Gift University, Gujranwala; NFC Institute of Engineering and Technology, Multan; and Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design, Lahore. For the Urdu debate, top honors went to the University of Home Economics, Lahore; Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur; and The Women University, Multan. The leading teams received trophies along with cash prizes of PKR 100,000 for first place, PKR 80,000 for second, and PKR 60,000 for third.
The event was attended by prominent academic figures, including Prof Dr Muhammad Ashraf, Rector of the University of Lahore, who served as Chief Guest. Maj Gen (R) Muhammad Khalil Dar, HI(M), Vice Chancellor of Lahore Garrison University, was present as Guest of Honour. Mr Ghulam Nabi, Director General of HEC Lahore Regional Centre, also delivered a special address, emphasizing the significance of youth engagement through platforms such as competitive debating.
The successful teams from the Punjab Regional Round will advance to the National Round of the PUDC 2024–25, scheduled to take place next month at the HEC Secretariat in Islamabad.