Lahore, 28-Jan-2026 (PPI): After a near-decade-long absence, the Punjab University’s “All Pakistan Bilingual Declamation Contest” has been successfully revived, concluding a two-day event that drew competitors from leading institutions nationwide.
The competition, organised by the Department of Student Affairs Pioneers’ Debating Society, marked its return after a nine-year hiatus. The event featured 65 speakers comprising 25 teams from renowned centres of learning, including Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore, King Edward Medical University Lahore, and Government College University Lahore.
At the conclusion of the final round of speeches, the coveted team trophy was awarded to Government College University Lahore.
During the concluding ceremony, PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali addressed the attendees, emphasising the critical role educators play beyond the classroom. He stressed that for national development, learners must engage in both curricular and co-curricular pursuits to be groomed into responsible citizens. He noted that such events help restore student confidence and lauded the organisers for the successful revival.
Director of the Department of Student Affairs, Dr Shahzeb Khan, remarked on the high calibre of Punjab University’s student body, noting their achievements in every field. He extended his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his support and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to encouraging students towards positive activities.
Participants in the contest described the two-day competition as a significant institutional achievement, expressing their hope that such oratory events would become a regular feature in the academic calendar.
A distinguished panel of adjudicators judged the competition. The Urdu panel included Hamza Tarar, Wahab Ahmed Jamal, Hamza Mustafa, Syed Israr-ul-Hassan, Huzaifa Anwar, Yasir Rashid, Maj. Dr Atif Ali, and Muhammad Haris Ashfaq. The English panel was composed of Fahad Ali Kazmi, Dr Sharay Qazi, Rameesha Khan, Muhammad Sibtain Raza, Moazam Khan Lodhi, Hina Atif, Amaaz Shabir, and Isha Fatima Tarar.