Transparency International-Pakistan, under its Youth in Governance Programme, held a debate Competition on the subject ‘Absolute Power Corrupts absolutely’ at the International Islamic University, Islamabad on May 6th, 2009. The debate was inaugurated by the Director General, International Islamic University, Mr. Zakir Muhammad Johar. In his inaugural speech. Mr. Johar appreciated TI-Pakistan’s efforts to raise the awareness of youth against corruption. He also pointed out that Quaid – e – Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah as well as Allama Iqbal always exhorted the students to come forward and play their due role in the society as the future of nations depend on students of today.

Students from eight institutions participated in the debate competition which 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 Ms. Nafeesa Habib, Islamic International University. The second prize was won by Mr. Hashim Mufti, (SEEC) Nust, and the third was won by Ms. Hifsa Saeed, Fatima Jinnah Women University.