Rawalpindi
The English Literary Society of Beaconhouse Senior Branch, Gulrez, organised a debate contest to encourage public speaking among students, says a press release.
Dr. Maria Sultan, director general of the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute, was the guest of honour. The panel of judges included Zahabiya Badri and Shahzad Shinwari.
With the topics chosen for the year being ‘Students under 14 should not be allowed to use Facebook,’ ‘Corporal punishment should not be allowed in schools’ and ‘Torture is justified for national security’, as many as 48 speakers actively took part in the debate.
Dr. Maria Sultan being specifically serving as civilian war strategist at the Ministry of Defence shared her views on the subject in a brief Q&A session with students and guests at the event.
While addressing the audience, SMI Sidra Qasim said, “Debating helps children to build confidence. It’s really important for young people from a variety of backgrounds to engage in the major issues of this day and age.”