Transparency International – Pakistan organises 2nd Ying Debate Competition

Transparency International-Pakistan in its programme for the Youth held a debate Competition on the subject ‘ Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely’ at the IRI Auditorium, International Islamic University on May 6th, 2009.

The debate was inaugurated by the Director General, International Islamic University, Mr. Zakir Muhammad Johar. In his inaugural speech. Mr. Zakir appreciated TI-Pakistan’s efforts to instill amongst the students the need to fight corruption. He said that he had always stressed upon the need for participation of the students in debates as it is the foundation of skill, negotiation and communication. He said that TI-P has rightly targeted students, Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal always exhorted the students as they are the leaders of tomorrow and united they have the power to spread awareness and definitely remove corruption. He advised the students to take part in wholesome activities, to involve themselves in the community and become model citizens.

Earlier, the Director Projects, Dr N. I. Khowaja gave a short briefing on the history of Transparency International-Pakistan. He described the activities undertaken by TI-Pakistan for the youth and the school children at grass root levels, especially the enhancement of awareness against the evils of corruption and power.

Students from eight institutions participated in the debate competition. The debates were in English. A total of 16 debaters spoke for and against the motion. The session was chaired by Prof. Kaisera Alvi, Students Advisor, International Islamic University. The judges of the competitions were Ms. Kaneez Fatima, Senior Programme Officer, Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation, Professor Dr. A. H. Nayyar, Research Fellow, Sustainable Development Policy Institute & Dr. Mobina Talat, Head of English Dept, International Islamic University. The participants presented lucid arguments to support their contentions.

The first prize was won by Nafeesa Hadis, Islamic International University. The second prize was won by Hashim Mufti, (SEEC) Nust, and the third was won by Hifsa Saeed, Fatima Jinnah Women University.

At the end of the session, Professor. Dr. A.H. Nayyar congratulated the students for their well prepared speeches. He urged them to strive hard to make our country corruption free. The competition ended with the distribution of prizes to the winner and certificates to all the participants.