Pakistan is set to host its inaugural International Qirat competition, a landmark five-day event commencing on Monday Nov 24in the nation”s capital. The contest brings together distinguished Quran reciters from more than 40 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The gathering, arranged by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, will feature a single participant representing the host nation alongside the international delegates.
Adjudication of the recitations will be conducted by an eight-member judging panel, comprising three international experts and five Pakistani judges.
Addressing a news conference, renowned Pakistani Qari and Ministry of Religious Affairs Coordinator, Syed Sadaqat Ali, described the initiative as a historic moment. He stated the event positions the country on the global map of Quranic recitation.
Ali noted that the contest is designed to promote Pakistan”s rich tradition of Qirat and to motivate the country”s youth to pursue excellence in the sacred art.
In preparation for the event, international participants have begun arriving in the country. According to the ministry, Qaris from Chad, Somalia, and Ghana have already reached Islamabad ahead of the opening day.