By Adnan Rafique
ISLAMABA: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf announced on Thursday that Pakistan will host the First International Qirat Competition from November 24 to 29, bringing together top Qaris from member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Briefing the media, the minister said the competition will take place at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad.
Calling it a great honor for Pakistan, Sardar Yousuf said the event aims to promote the message of the Holy Quran and the teachings of Islam.
He shared that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has written to 57 Muslim countries through the Foreign Office, inviting them to nominate their best Qari for the competition. So far, 32 entries have been received from OIC member states.
The minister added that the age limit for participants has been set between 25 and 35 years, and a four-member panel of judges, headed by Qari Sadaqat, will evaluate the contestants.
Sardar Yousuf urged the media to give extensive coverage to the event, saying it would help enhance Pakistan’s image globally and promote the rich Islamic heritage. He further announced that prominent Qaris from the conference would also participate in provincial gatherings to be held in Lahore on December 1 and in Karachi on December 3.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to Quranic education, the minister said that prioritizing the teaching of the Quran has always been a key focus of the Muslim League-N government, which had made Nazra and Quranic education mandatory in schools and colleges during its previous tenures.
Commending the efforts of the Ministry of Religious Affairs to foster interfaith harmony, Sardar Yousuf emphasized the need to make the ministry a hub for Quranic teachings and Islamic learning.
