ISLAMABAD – The first-ever International Qiraat Competition in Pakistan saw participation from from 37 countries around the world.
The event was held at the Pakistan National Convention Center in Islamabad, with the award ceremony beginning with a recitation by Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali.
Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Yousaf, welcomed the “reciters” from around the world and stated, “We are honored to host Qaris from 37 countries in Pakistan.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke at the event, highlighting that the competition reflected Pakistan’s efforts to promote unity among the Muslim Ummah.
He emphasized that Pakistan is the only country founded on the basis of the Kalima, and called on the youth to strengthen their connection with the Holy Qur’an.
Ishaq Dar further noted, “It is a matter of great pride for me to be part of this spiritually uplifting event. The Qur’an is the spiritual heritage of the Muslim Ummah, teaching us peace, unity, mercy, and justice. It is essential for the governance of our country to draw lessons from the Qur’an.”
The winners of the Qirat competition were awarded significant cash prizes. The first-place winner received a prize of Rs5 million =, while the second-place winner received Rs3 million, and the third-place winner received Rs2 million.
The first position was claimed by Qari Aiman Rizwan bin Muhammad Ramlan from Malaysia, while Qari Adnan from Iran secured the second position, and Qari Abdul Rashid from Pakistan took third place.
Qari from Afghanistan finished fourth, the Qari from Indonesia took fifth place, and the Qari from Morocco secured the sixth spot.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister Sardar Yousaf presented the awards to the winners at the closing ceremony.
