PISJ-ES holds debate contest

The Pakistan International School Jeddah, English Section, held its annual Urdu debate competition entitled "Iqbal ka Shaheen hai Parvaz sey Kasir" (Iqbal’s Eagle is unable to fly high) on Wednesday.
Twenty-two students from Grade 9 to 13 participated in the contest that focused on the poetry of famous poet Iqbal. They spoke either in favor or against the theme.
Sohaib Khalid secured Ist position, Mahnoor Ahmad (2nd), Minahil Saifullah (3rd), Mohammed Qasim Noor (4th), Wania Jibran (5th), Awais Zaheer (6th), Omama Arif (7th), Fatima Naveed (8th) and Zarnain Shah secured the 9th position.
PISJ-ES Principal Sen. Sehar Kamran stressed the importance of instilling confidence in the students through extra curricular activities. “It is our mission to make our students useful members of the society, instilling confidence and giving them hands-on experience,” said Kamran.
Sohaib Khalid, speaking in favor of the theme, said that today’s youths demonstrate a lack of respect toward their parents and teachers. They failed to rely on their own capabilities. They do not draw inspiration from Iqbal’s "Shaheen" that stands for courage, purity of soul and character, devotion and dedication, struggle and endurance.
Others speakers said that Iqbal in his poem portrays the attributes of a devout Muslim. Therefore, when he asks the youth to become a "Shaheen", he, in fact, urges them to adopt an approach toward life that includes high ideals followed by action.
He said that poet Iqbal wanted the Muslim youths to work persistently to achieve their goals, meet all the challenges and never give up.
Mohammed Qasim Noor said that Muslim youths were capable. If it had not been so it would not have been possible for Pakistan to conduct missile tests and become the first Islamic nuclear state.
In her concluding remarks Kamran said, “My students are indeed the true Shaheens who are confident, dedicated, devoted and determined to take Pakistan to the heights of success through their capabilities and talents. They have proved that they are no less than Arfa Karim, Malala Yousafzai or Ali Moeen Nawazish. These students are talented they just need our guidance that may lead them to the path of success and they have many opportunities and can fly over lofty mountains.”