PESHAWAR: Speakers at a declamation contest at Islamia College University Peshawar termed English language a storehouse of all kinds of disciplines of scholarship across the globe due to its wide scope and competency.

The event was conducted under the student societies at Khyber Union Hall here on Thursday. The title of the declamation contest was `Revolution is the biggest hurdle in evolution` while English poetry contest and quiz regarding English language and literature were also part of the event.

Rabia Hafsa and Aisha Amjid stole the show by reciting their poems in their unique style. Around 50 student speakers from different disciplines of Islamia College University participated in the English speech competition while about 20 young poets took part in English poetry contest.

Young speakers made fiery speeches in English and received round of applause from the audience.

Prof Atiqur Rahman in his opening remarks said that Khyber Union Hall provided students with the best opportunity to express themselves in a befitting manner on the stage in frontof the audience.

Senior journalist and TV anchor Riaz Khan Daudzai was the chief guest while noted Pashto poet and head of physics department at University of Peshawar Prof Yasin Iqbal Yousafzai presided over the function.

In the English declamation contest, Danish Khan, Maaz and Azeega Shakeel grabbed the hrst, second and third positions. They were given cash prize of Rs3,000, Rs ,000 and Rs1,000 respectively. Umar Anwar got a consolation prize. The first, second and third best English poet awards went to Aisha Anjum, Kashmala, and Ahsan Syedzada while Owais Wisal received the consolation prize.

The contestants said that the English language contained 85 per cent of the world`s knowledge and the rest of the world languages including those spoken by advanced nations promoted only 15 per cent human thought.

Prof Zaryab Khan Yousafzai said that most students could express their ideas on the topic. He said that extensive reading would further fire their imaginative flight. Bureau Report