Competition: Debating is a crucial skill: Philip Barton

British High Commission holds debating contest at Forman Christian College.

LAHORE: The British High Commission held the third semi-final of the Great Debate at the Forman Christian College University on Monday.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Philip Barton was the guest of honour.

The Great Debate aims to promote the two countries’ shared culture of vibrant intellectual discussion. Other rounds of the competition will take place in nine cities where university students will debate topics concerning the theme of the competition – Pakistan 2047.

Future winners will join third semi-final’s champion Gadhaun Aslam from the Forman Christian College University in the grand final. The overall winner of the Great Debate will be awarded the British High Commission Scholarship.



Philip Barton said, “As a diplomat the most useful skill I have is the ability to win an argument peacefully. We believe that debating – the power to make arguments, persuade others and put your point across coherently – is a really important skill for the future”.

Gadhaun Aslam said researching different topics, applying logic and putting forward an argument constituted the art of debating. He said he was looking forward to the final of the Great Debate in Islamabad.

Great Festival

“Lahore has always been famous for its love of arts, its rich cultural heritage and its vibrant people,” British High Commissioner Philip Barton said on Sunday.

He was speaking at a dinner and a concert he had hosted to celebrate the final days of the Great Festival, a celebration of British and Pakistani fashion, food and music.

“It is an ideal city to bring to an end the celebrations of the cultural connections that tie Pakistan and the United Kingdom so closely together. The Great Festival is a celebration of what makes Britain great and also our shared relationship in the 21st century. It is about looking forward, building stronger people-to-people connections and strengthening our links in arts, culture, business and education,” he said.

“I feel privileged to be here in the great city of Lahore, as the Great Festival – the biggest event the UK has ever put on in Pakistan – moves towards its conclusion. This festival shows that culturally and economically, the relationship between Pakistan and the UK really matters.”

He said the ties that joined the two countries were as strong as ever. Over 100 British firms are operating successfully in Pakistan, he said. He said the UK was working to increase bilateral trade and investment.

“We are also promoting the arts by working with top British creative talent, bringing high quality events to Pakistan, collaborating with local artists and cultural institutions and connecting arts professionals from both countries. Business and culture are a central part of the relationship between the UK and Pakistan,” he said.

The festival was launched in Karachi on October 2 before it moved to Lahore. The festival had begun in Karachi with a fashion event attended by figures from the media, business, arts, culture and the diplomatic corps. Models, clad in a fusion of British and Pakistani designer- and high-street brands, had walked the runway at the Dolmen Mall to much acclaim.

Now Lahore gets the great touch with the best of British cuisine being cooked live by British chef Dominic South at Avari Hotel. Guests also enjoyed classic jazz from the renowned British group the Julian Joseph Trio.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2015.