Islamabad :The British High Commission’s fifth annual GREAT Debate competition final was held virtually on Wednesday.

The event witnessed a high intensity competition between twelve of the top debaters from across universities in Pakistan, who spoke for and against topics on trade, gender and UK Pak Dosti. The Chief Guest at the event was the Acting British High Commissioner Iona Thomas.

After a competitive round of debates, Muhammad Ali from Punjab University and Mustafa Shaukat from Lahore University of Management Sciences were judged to be the winner and runner-up of the GREAT Debate 2020-21 competition.

The Acting British High Commissioner Iona Thomas said “Our annual GREAT Debate competition gives the youth a platform to debate on themes which are important to Pakistan’s future and lie at the heart of the UK-Pakistan relationship. This is the fifth edition of the GREAT Debate, and like previous times, we’ve included debaters from across Pakistan.

“Due to COVID, the finale of our competition was held virtually – but this did not hamper the passion and determination of our debaters, who I am sure will all go on to play a vital part in the future success of this country.”

The GREAT Debate competition held in 2020-2021 was the fifth annual edition of the competition that gives students from across Pakistan a platform to participate in debates, interact with other students from different universities and hone their skills in research, analytical thinking and public speaking.

The winner and runner-up of the overall competition will receive a scholarship reward to contribute towards their tuition fees.