Islamabad — Pakistan has launched its first-ever International Qirat Competition (IQC-2025), bringing Qur’an reciters from more than 40 member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to the capital for a five-day event aimed at elevating the country’s profile in global Qur’anic arts and strengthening cultural ties across the Muslim world.
The competition, organized by Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, began on Monday and will run from 24 to 29 November, marking what officials describe as a milestone in the country’s religious diplomacy efforts.
International reciters started arriving in Islamabad over the weekend, with Pakistani state officials receiving the delegations at the airport. According to event organizers, the initiative demonstrates Pakistan’s intent to position itself as a host for major Islamic cultural events at a time when the country is seeking deeper engagement with OIC states.
As per Radia Pakistan, Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali, a senior figure in Pakistan’s Qur’anic recitation community and coordinator for the event, IQC-2025 sends a strong message about Pakistan’s ability to convene global religious gatherings. “This competition places Pakistan firmly on the international map for Qur’anic recitation,” he said, noting that the platform could help inspire younger Pakistanis to pursue excellence in Qirat.
One participant has also been selected to represent Pakistan in the recitation rounds, which will feature a judging panel of three international and five national jurors.
Competitions at NUML, Grand Finale at Jinnah Convention Centre
The preliminary rounds for both competition groups will take place from 24 to 27 November at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad.
The closing ceremony and award distribution are scheduled for 29 November at the Jinnah Convention Centre, where state dignitaries are expected to attend.
Organizers say the competition aims to promote not only Qirat as an art form but also the broader ideals of intercultural and interfaith harmony within the Muslim world. The event also allows Pakistan to highlight its hospitality, security environment, and religious heritage before the visiting delegations.
According to officials, the competition is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s spiritual and cultural connections with Muslim-majority countries, expand opportunities for religious tourism, and revive global confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host large-scale international events.
As dozens of renowned reciters gather in Islamabad, IQC-2025 marks a turning point for Pakistan’s engagement with OIC nations, an effort state officials believe will expand the country’s soft power footprint in the years ahead.
