Expert Says Pakistan Poised to Become Major Hub for Int’l Quran Competitions

IQNA – Pakistan’s inaugural International Qira’at Competition could position the country as a leading venue for global Quranic events, according to an Iranian judge who served on the panel.

The competition, held in Islamabad from November 24 to 29, brought together reciters from more than 37 countries.

Malaysia’s Aiman Ridhwan Bin Mohammad Ramlan won first place, receiving five million rupees from Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar at the closing ceremony. Iran’s Adnan Momeninkhamiseh and Pakistan’s Qari Abdul Rasheed placed second and third.

Speaking to IQNA, Gholamreza Shah-Miveh, an international instructor and judge, said the event filled a long-felt gap.

“Pakistan is known for its strong public interest in Quranic gatherings and for inviting prominent reciters, especially from Iran and Egypt,” he said. “With this background, the absence of an international competition was always noticeable.”

He added that despite being the first edition, organizers “did their utmost in accommodation, security, and hosting.”

Shah-Miveh noted that the prize money exceeded that of similar events in Malaysia, Iran, and Kuwait. He said first, second and third places were equivalent to “$17,000, $11,000 and $7,000,” with $1,000 awarded to each of the fourth to sixth positions, which went to contestants from Afghanistan, Indonesia and Morocco.

He highlighted the exceptional respect shown to participants. “There was a special respect for the people of the Quran, especially regarding transport and accommodation,” he said.

He described side programs arranged by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, including dinners hosted by prominent Pakistani figures where reciters performed, and visits from business leaders who offered non-cash gifts to support participants. These gestures, he said, played a “decisive role” in boosting morale.

Shah-Miveh believes the competition can rise to the top tier of Quranic events in the Islamic world. If early shortcomings are addressed, he said, “with government support, the respect shown to participants, and the level of prize money, this competition can secure a leading position.”

At the closing ceremony, Ishaq Dar encouraged the organizers to expand the event and said Qaris “from across the world” should be invited next year.

He also announced that the competition will become an annual international event hosted in Islamabad.

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