ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Centre for Civic Education Pakistan (CCEP) are arranging a national essay writing competition to explore and examine the way citizens relate to federalism in Pakistan.

Regular students of public and private universities (age 18-25) can take part in the competition and submit their essays on the topic “What does federalism mean to me” by September 30.

However, no entries will be accepted after the deadline and only one submission per student will be accepted. The competition is aimed at promoting writing and analytical skills among university students along with encouraging research, analysis and argument development on the theme.

Students can write on the topic either in English or Urdu and the essay must be original and unpublished and must not exceed 2,500 words, including footnotes or endnotes. All sources used should be given proper reference and nothing should be copied from books or newspapers without using references.

Primary consideration will be given to the essay’s originality and its contribution to new knowledge, its insights and creative approach. English and Urdu essays will be judged and awarded separately. HEC will award 50 marks for substance and originality, 25 marks for understanding and arguments and 25 marks for writing style, composition and organisation. The authors of the three best essays in English and Urdu will be awarded Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000, along with certificates of honour and shields. app.