Web desk: The Pakistani delegation secured an uncontested victory at the Oxford Union after the Indian delegation withdrew from a certified debate, the Pakistan High Commission in London confirmed.
The debate, which was scheduled to feature both Pakistani and Indian representatives, saw the Indian side retreat at the last moment.
According to the High Commission, the Indian delegation offered low-level speakers after the originally approved panel was rejected. This was a move that was deemed unacceptable by the Pakistani team.
The Pakistani delegation, present in London for the debate, included Hina Rabbani Khar, General (retd) Zubair Mahmood Hayat, and Dr Faisal. The High Commission said that the Indian offer did not meet the standards of the Pakistani delegation. And the attempt to change the announced Indian panel undermined the credibility of the debate.
Despite a majority of Indian students at Oxford, the Indian delegation reportedly refused to participate in the vote.
The High Commission suggested that India’s so-called security policy could not withstand the scrutiny of possible logical questions at the Oxford Union. It prompted their withdrawal.
According to Pakistan High Commission officials, Indian speakers deliberately sabotaged the scheduled debate to avoid potential embarrassment. This demonstrates a strategy of retreat rather than clear and reasoned preparation.
The event marks a significant moment for Pakistan at the Oxford Union. It highlights the delegation’s readiness to engage in intellectual discourse on the international stage.
Oxford Union Debate
The Oxford Union is a famous student debating society at the University of Oxford.
It is known globally as a platform for free speech and for hosting important figures from politics, academia, and popular culture.
Additionally, it was founded in 1823. It has a long history of encouraging debate and controversial discussions.
One of its most well-known events was the 1933 “King and Country” debate, where the motion “This House would under no circumstances fight for King and Country” was passed, causing a national controversy.
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