Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf opened the global Qirat competition in Islamabad on 24 November 2025, calling the occasion both historic and blessed as Pakistan hosts this international event for the first time. He said the ministry aims to present Islam’s true face through faithful recitation and practice of Quranic teachings and to strengthen programmes that promote Arabic learning across the country.
The minister noted that participants from around 40 countries have come to Pakistan for the Qirat competition, which runs from 24 to 27 November with a closing ceremony scheduled for 29 November. He praised the efforts of renowned qari Syed Sadaqat Ali for organising this gathering and said such events help deepen understanding of the Quran and encourage precise, measured recitation.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf underlined the ministry’s intent to revive reforms begun in the previous PML-N government and to realign work under the current leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said a national council of ulema and mashaykh has been convened, and work on establishing a dedicated Quran board and a system for regular prayer is underway to reinforce religious practice and education.
The minister emphasised that the Quran in Arabic must be learned so that people can read, comprehend and implement its guidance. He explained that the ministry is coordinating with various universities to launch Arabic learning and teaching programmes, and that the Qirat competition will help generate interest in Arabic education nationwide.
Speaking on spiritual responsibilities, he reminded attendees that Allah has taken responsibility for preserving the Quran and encouraged slow, deliberate recitation as a means of attaining guidance and salvation. He said adherence to Quran and Hadith is the path to success in both worlds and that the national ulema and mashaykh council will guide future initiatives to ensure religious authenticity.
The minister expressed Pakistan’s desire to demonstrate Islam’s true character to the world, urging unity and adherence to the rope of Allah rather than division. He referenced systems of prayer and religious administration in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Iran and the UAE as models the ministry seeks to adapt where suitable, and reiterated that acquiring knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman, with the ministry committed to advancing educational efforts.
