ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is hosting its first-ever International Qirat Competition (IQC-2025), a landmark event organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The five-day competition commenced today, Monday, in the capital city, Islamabad.
The prestigious gathering has drawn renowned Qur’an reciters from more than 40 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), alongside a representative from Pakistan. A distinguished panel of judges, comprising three international and five Pakistani experts, will oversee the proceedings.
The primary objectives of IQC-2025 are to foster and celebrate the art of Qur’anic recitation while promoting intercultural and interfaith harmony among Muslim nations.
In a statement, Syed Sadaqat Ali, a renowned Qari and Coordinator for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, highlighted the event’s significance. “This initiative marks a historic moment for Pakistan, positioning it on the global map of Qur’anic recitation,” Ali stated. “The competition will not only showcase Pakistan’s rich tradition of Qirat but also inspire the nation’s youth to pursue excellence in this sacred art form.”
According to the official schedule, the Group-1 and Group-2 competitions will be held from November 24 to 27 at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Auditorium. The event will culminate in a grand prize distribution ceremony at the Jinnah Convention Center on November 29, where winners will be honored. The opening and closing sessions are expected to be attended by high-level state dignitaries.
Participants from across the Islamic world have begun arriving in Pakistan for the competition, which is poised to be a significant event in the Muslim world’s cultural and religious calendar.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
