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The Vice Chancellor/Principal/Commandant,

____________________________________
____________________________________

Subject: Invitation of Participation at Decbates VIII- All Pakistan Debating

Championship 2025

Dear Sir/Ma’am,
The Debating Society of FAST National University, Chiniot–Faisalabad Campus, cordially
invites your esteemed institution to participate in Dec-Bates’25, the flagship event of BOL
– FAST Debating Society. The event will take place from April 25th to 27th, 2025.
Rules and other necessary details for the Declamation Style Debating Competition,
Parliamentary Style Debating Competition, and Model United Nations are attached as
Appendices A, B, and C, respectively.
The mission of BOL – FAST Debating Society is to foster critical thinking, public
speaking, and leadership skills among students. Dec-Bates’25 provides a unique
platform for participants to showcase their abilities, engage in healthy competition, and
learn from their peers.
FAST-NUCES Chiniot-Faisalabad Campus will provide boarding and lodging facilities
for outstation teams. You are requested to confirm your participation by submitting the
prescribed form.
For any queries, please feel free to contact us via email or phone. We look forward to
welcoming you to Dec-Bates’25 and ensuring an unforgettable experience for all
participants.
For registration and further details, please visit our official website: https://daira.pk.

Omima Mumtaz Hamdani

President BOL – FAST Debating Society
E-mail : bol.fds@nu.edu.pk

Omima Mumtaz Hamdani: 0304 9738071

Faiq Ahmad: 0321 6664749

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FAST-NUCES CFD Campus

BOL- FAST Debating Society

APPENDIX ‘A’
Declamation Competition
Declamation is an artistic form of public speaking that combines dramatic expression,
articulation, emphasis, and gestures to convey the full meaning of a given text.
Participants will compete in the following categories:

• English Serious

• English Humorous

• Urdu Serious

• Urdu Humorous
The following are the rules that will be observed:
1. Each institution is to be represented by a team comprising two speakers, one for
Urdu and one for English. One speaker is to speak on a serious topic and the other
on a humorous one.

2. Individual participation is allowed.

3. A speaker may agree or disagree with the topic.

4. The contest will consist of only one round.

5. Each Speaker will speak for a minimum of 3 and maximum of 5 minutes.

6. Marks will be deducted for failing to observe the mentioned time limit.

7. A speaker making offensive or derogatory remarks about any important personage

or passing controversial religious, political, or sectarian remarks shall be
immediately disqualified. Using words/sentences with any indecent connotation
will lead to instant disqualification of the speaker. In such an event, the speaker
may be asked to step down from the podium during the speech.

8. The speakers will be judged on the originality of their content, their proficiency in
the respective language, and the response of the audience.

9. Paper reading is NOT allowed. Those who do so will be disqualified.

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10. The best speaker in each category will be given a cash prize.

11. The decision of the judges will be final.

12. Teams are allowed to bring supporters/chaperons/teachers. All of them will to

register and pay the registration fee.

Declamation Topics :

English Serious:
You are not to say, “It is a conspiracy!”
The first rule of change is controversy
War is but a terrestrial test of hope
Truths dreaded by advocates of error

English Humorous:
Keeping your maiden name
My Roman Empire is nostalgia

I won’t do it, but you guys should

A toast to all the things I have become

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‫تقریری موضوعات‬

‫اردو سنجیدہ ‪:‬‬

‫جو بچے ہیں سنگ سمیٹ لو تن داغ داغ لٹا دیا‬
‫مجھے جنت سے نکاال ہوا انسان سمجھا‬
‫اے چاند یہاں نہ نکال کر‬
‫جو وہ قرض رکھتے تھے جان پر وہ حساب آج چکا دیا‬

‫اردو مزاحیہ ‪:‬‬

‫ملت کے مقدر کا غبارہ‬

‫برباد گلستاں کرنے کو بس ایک ہی الو کافی تھا‬

‫رنج لیڈر کو بہت ہے مگر آرام کے ساتھ‬

‫درزی نے کرتا غلط سیا ہے‬

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FAST-NUCES CFD Campus

BOL- FAST Debating Society

APPENDIX ‘B’
Parliamentary Style Debating Competition
British Style (Bilingual)
Format
The British Parliamentary (BP) debate format stands out from other debate formats as
it involves four teams instead of two. These teams are divided into two sides:

• Proposition Side: First Proposition and Second Proposition teams, which support
the motion.

• Opposition Side: First Opposition and Second Opposition teams, which oppose
the motion.

Each team consists of two speakers, and each speaker delivers a seven-minute speech
as outlined below

Speaker Time Speaker Responsibilities

Prime Minister 6+1 minutes

Defines and interprets the motion
st st
1 speaker for 1
Develops the case for the proposition
proposition:
Leader of Opposition 6+1 minutes Accepts the definition of the motion.
1st speaker for 1st Refutes the case of the 1st proposition.
opposition:
Constructs one or more arguments against
the Prime Minister’s interpretation of the
motion.

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Deputy Prime Minister 6+1 minutes Refutes the case of the 1st opposition.
2nd speaker for Rebuilds the case of the 1st proposition.
st
1 proposition:
May add new arguments to the case of the
1st proposition.

Deputy Leader of 6+1 minutes Continues refutation of case of 1st

Opposition
proposition. Rebuilds arguments of the 1st
nd st
2 speaker for 1
opposition: opposition.
May add new arguments to the case of the
1st opposition.
Member of Government 6+1 minutes Defends the general direction and case of the
1st proposition.
1st speaker for
nd
2 proposition: Continues refutation of 1st opposition team.
Develops a new argument that is different
from but consistent with the case of the 1st
proposition (sometimes called an
extension).
Member of Opposition 6+1 minutes Defends the general direction taken by the
1st speaker for 2nd 1st opposition.
opposition: Continues general refutation of 1st
proposition case.
Provides more specific refutation of 2nd
opposition.
Provides new opposition arguments.

Government Whip 6+1 minutes Summarizes the entire debate from the
2nd speaker for 2nd point of view of the proposition, defending
proposition: the general view point of both proposition
teams with a special eye toward the case of
the 2nd proposition.
Does not provide new arguments.

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Opposition Whip 6+1 minutes Summarizes the entire debate from the
2nd
speaker for point of view of the opposition, defending
nd
2 opposition: the general viewpoint of both opposition
teams with a special eye toward the case of
the 2nd opposition.
Does not provide new arguments.

Definition:
• The definition should state the issue (or issues) for debate arising out of the motion
and state the meaning of any terms in the motion, which require interpretation.
• The Prime Minister should provide the definition at the beginning of his or her
speech.

Challenging the definition:

• The Leader of the Opposition may challenge the definition if it violates the rules of
defining the motion.
• The Leader of the Opposition should clearly state that he or she is challenging the
definition.
• The Leader of the Opposition should substitute an alternative definition after
challenging the definition of the Prime Minister.
Points of Information:
• Points of Information (questions directed to the member speaking) may be asked
between the first minute mark and the six-minute mark of the members’ speeches.
• To ask a Point of Information, a member can choose from any form of
communication adopted during speeches, i.e., through chat prompts, or vocal
interruptions. The vocal or chat prompts should only depict their request to ask a
"Point of Information" or use other words to this effect; only upon the speaker’s
acknowledgment should the member unmute themselves to voice their point.
• The member who is speaking may accept or decline to answer the Point of
Information.

• Points of Information should not exceed 15 seconds in length.

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• The member who is speaking may ask the person offering the Point of Information
to sit down/ stop speaking where the offer has had a reasonable opportunity to be
heard and understood.
• Members should attempt to answer at least two Points of Information during their
speech.

• Members should also offer Points of Information.

Rules
Preparation:
The debate should commence 15 minutes after the motion is announced.
Time:
Speeches should be 6+1 minutes in duration. Speeches over 07 minutes and 15 seconds
may be penalized.
Language:
The language for the Dec-Bates PSD Competition is bilingual which means that the
speakers can either speak in English or in Urdu as per their convenience.
Ranking of Teams:
• Teams should be ranked from 1st place to 4th place. 1st placed teams should be
awarded 03 points, 2nd placed teams should be awarded 02 points, 3rd placed
teams should be awarded 01 point, and 4th placed teams should be awarded 0
points.
• Teams may receive zero points where the adjudicators unanimously agree that the
Member has (or Members have) harassed another debater based on religion, sex,
race, color, nationality, or disability.
• Adjudicators should confer upon team rankings. Where a unanimous decision
cannot be reached after conferral, the majority's decision will determine the
rankings.

• Where a majority decision cannot be reached, the Chair of the panel of

adjudicators will determine the rankings.

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Speaker Points:

• The “Best Speaker” of the competition shall be determined based on points in the
preliminary rounds.

• Adjudication will be based on the awards of marks in three categories: Matter

(50%), Manner (30%), and Method (20%).

• The Decision of the Judges will be final.

Registration Policy:

• Total team caps: 32

• Teams will be registered on a first come, first serve basis.

• Cross/Private/Alumni teams are allowed.

• All teams will have to bring an adjudicator with them according to the N-1 rule.

Schedule

April 25, 2025 (Day 1)

9:00 am – Reporting Time

10:00 am – Preliminary Round 1 Motion Announcement

10:30 am – Preliminary Round 1 Match Begins

11:30 am – Preliminary Round 1 Match Ends

12:00 pm – Preliminary Round 2 Motion Announcement

12:30 pm – Preliminary Round 2 Match Begins

1:30 pm – Preliminary Round 2 Match Ends

April 26, 2025 (Day 2)

9:00 am – Reporting Time

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10:00 am – Preliminary Round 3 Motion Announcement

10:30 am – Preliminary Round 3 Match Begins

11:30 am – Preliminary Round 3 Match Ends

12:30 pm – Refreshment Break

1:00 pm – Breaks Announced

1:30 pm – Quarter Finals Motion Announcement

2:00 pm – Quarter Finals Begin

3:00 pm – Quarter Finals End

April 27, 2025 (Day 3)

9:00 am – Reporting Time

10:00 am – Semi-finals motion Announcement

11:00 am – Semifinals begin

12:00 pm – Semifinals End

12:30 pm – Finals Motion Announcement

1:00 pm – Final Begins

2:00 pm – Final Ends

2:30 pm – Awards Ceremony

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FAST-NUCES CFD Campus

BOL- FAST Debating Society

APPENDIX ‘C’
DAIRA Model United Nations

At DAMUN, we will be having two committees:

Pakistan National Assembly (PNA)

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Rules of Committees:
Structurally you have:
1. The Opening of the Debate
– Roll Call

– Setting the Agenda

2. The Debate

– Opening Statements

– The General Speakers List

– Moderated and Unmoderated Caucuses

– Draft Resolutions

3. Closing the Debate

– Voting Procedure

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Opening the Debate: Roll Call

• The Roll Call is normally used to check who is attending and how many
people are attending.
• Through this, the Chairs are able to calculate the majority which is required
within procedural and substantial voting.
• When you hear your country's name, you can simply reply with “Present.”

• If you want to spice things up and declare how serious you are about the topic
that is being discussed, you can also say “Present and Voting.” But beware!
This comes at a cost.
• If you use “Present and Voting,” you are NOT able to abstain during
substantive votes, meaning you truly have to have an opinion on a matter.
• Once the list has been read, you continue to the next Step.

Opening the Debate: Setting the Agenda

• Sometimes you will be given one subject before entering the debate, in which
this part is technically unnecessary. If you have been given multiple possible
topics to discuss, however, it will depend on you and the other delegates which
one will be chosen.
• You should be careful with these things – depending on your country and their
positions, you might have a certain preference for one topic, therefore, you
should try to get the discussion topic that fits you best off the ground.
• Setting such an agenda requires a motion.

• You raise your hand/placard (if your MUN provides placards, use placard)

• Wait until the Chair acknowledges you.

• You ONLY speak if the Chair acknowledges you.

• This is a universal rule that is present in all sections of the MUN debate
(except for the unmoderated caucus).
• Once you have been acknowledged, you say your country’s name and move to
place your preferred topic first on the agenda. Remember to always speak as
an ambassador of your Country.
• No “I’s” are allowed! It’s “we”, your country’s name, or “as the representative
of Country Name.”
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• Some MUNs choose to have a brief discussion between two representatives of

the two different topics if there is no clear preference.
• Either way, once a motion has been raised, the Chairs will call for a procedural
voting process, meaning that delegates are unable to abstain and MUST vote.
• Only a simple majority is needed.

The Debate – Opening Statements

• Once a topic has been chosen, each state’s delegate, according to the
alphabetical order of each State present, will give an opening speech in which
they briefly outline their opinion on the matter at hand.
• Within your opening speech, you can: position yourself with like-minded
countries to already try to secure an alliance and raise specific themes within
the topic that your country particularly cares about.
• This is your moment to steer the discussion in a way that benefits your
country. As you listen to the other Countries' opening debates, it may be a
good idea to make some notes, to see who cares about what aspect of a
problem and who you might find yourself to be in agreement or disagreement
with regarding certain issues.
• This is useful for later on when you have to create Draft Resolutions with
other Delegates.
• Once this process is over, the discussion will move on to the General
Speaker’s List.

The Debate- The General Speakers List

• The GSL is essentially your default section within a discussion.

• Chairs will establish a time limit that each speaker should adhere to.

• Countries can then ask to be added to the list, taking turns to speak in the order
the Chairs have provided.
• Within the GSL, a delegate can aim to move the debate into a direction they
would like to see, this is your moment to look for people who would vote for
you, if you were to raise the motion for a moderated Caucus.

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• To join the GSL, you wait for the Chair to ask who wants to be added to the
list, at which moment you should raise your placard until they acknowledge
you.
• If you finish your speech before your allotted time is over, the Chair may open
the remainder of the time for other Delegates to ask you a question, which you
then can answer; you may let your time seize, or you may give your time to
another Delegate.
• What the best choice is truly depends on your tactical reasoning for it.

Moderated and Unmoderated Caucuses

• While the GSL is ultimately a tool to allow general discussions, sometimes

one needs to spend more time on certain specifics, in which case one can call
for an unmoderated or moderated caucus.
• A moderated caucus requires speakers to only hold speeches based on the
topic at hand.
• It might be fruitful to raise a motion for a moderated caucus on a certain topic
(for a certain number of minutes, with a certain amount of speaker’s time) if,
within the GSL, a trend towards such a topic was already foreseeable.
• This is an opportunity to shape the debate, and more often than not, multiple
motions for multiple moderated caucuses exist at the same time, so voting is
necessary.

Now, an unmoderated Caucus is a whole other tactical game.

• Within it, general rules seize to exist for a while, and one can be within a
freeform debate, no turns, no points, no speaking time, you are allowed to
move around within a room, you get to meet the other countries in a more
personal manner, and you get to negotiate and write your draft resolutions.

• This is where you look for cooperation amongst other states and try to create
something based on your shared values. Like the moderated caucus, a motion
for this has to be raised.
• It’s a procedural vote, so no abstaining is possible. The unmoderated caucus
takes time for as long as the allotted time allows.

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Draft Resolutions

• Having to write a document which follows its very own rules, uses a specific
type of language, and is generally supposed to be very professional in how it is
handled sometimes really makes people want to turn on their tail.
• Sure – you could always make someone else do it, but it’s an open secret
within the MUN World that the one holding the laptop and writing the
document is the King.
• A draft resolution is a document which states the proposed solution of the
issue at hand and is supposed to be representing the viewpoints and the agenda
of those who have written and signed it.
• It must have a minimum number of sponsors who support it and will vote in
favor of it once the debates have ended.
• The number of necessary sponsors differs based on the Council and the Chair,
according to the size of a committee.
• Once a draft resolution is finished, it should be sent to the chair who will then
hopefully approve it, at which point a motion may be raised to introduce it to
the rest of the Council.
• You then get to read the operational clauses, one by one, within a certain time
frame. Afterwards, countries can ask for amendments regarding the clauses
you have written.
• If an amendment is friendly, that means no one has objected to the change
within a clause, and it can be written anew accordingly.
• If a sponsor, however, should decide to object, a vote must follow.

• Amended clauses are unable to be re-amended, so make sure you truly do not
object to a change being made within your resolution.

Closing the debate:

• For a draft resolution to be voted for, the GSL must first be closed, hence, one
must either wait until the GSL list runs its course or one must raise the motion
to close the debate.
• If two-thirds agree and are in favor, the debate will end.

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If there is more than one draft resolution on the table, the committee will vote
on the one which had been handed in first, based on their serial number.
• Hence, it’s also important to act quickly in getting together a group and
writing a professional and well worded Draft Resolution.
• The Committee then votes on the Draft Resolution.

Voting procedure:

• The voting procedure is a substantive vote for everyone except those countries
which said that they are “Present and voting.” Meaning, that everyone who
said that they are present at the Roll Call gets to either vote “Yes”, “No”, or
gets to abstain.
• You are furthermore not allowed to abstain if you are a sponsor for the draft
resolution at hand.
• Once voting is completed. and a proposal has been passed, it becomes the
resolution of the committee, at which point the council will move on to the
next topic that was on the agenda.
• If it should, however, fail, the draft resolution next to the first one will be
voted on.

• Once one has been approved or all have been voted on, one moves on to the
next topic.

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