Islamabad (TDI): In collaboration with local religious institutions, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs organized a Quran Memorization Competition at Jamia Salfia, which brought together students from hifz institutions of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The closing ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, Sheikh Mutib bin Muhammad Al-Judaie – the Director of Religious Affairs at the Saudi Embassy, Dr. Fahd bin Faraj Al-Juhani and Dr. Adel Al-Subaie from Imam University Riyadh.
Rector of Jamia Salfia, Hafiz Sheikh Muhammad Shafiq, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Allama Ibrahim Khalil Al-Fazli, and other notable scholars and dignitaries from Rawalpindi and Islamabad were also present.
Speaking at the ceremony, Saudi Ambassador reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia views Pakistan as a close and trusted brotherly nation. He said the bond between the two countries goes far beyond diplomacy, rooted deeply in shared faith, history, and cultural heritage.
He highlighted that bilateral relations have grown significantly in recent years, particularly in areas such as economic cooperation, investment, security, and people-to-people exchange.
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The ambassador added that Saudi Arabia is expanding its investment, development support, and public-welfare projects in Pakistan.
He emphasized that Riyadh remains committed to supporting Pakistan’s economic stability, empowering its youth, and promoting religious and cultural initiatives.
The Ambassador added that the Quran Memorization Competition itself reflects the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations. Saudi Arabia, he said, will continue to stand by Pakistan in all fields and hopes to carry these brotherly ties forward for generations.
Rector of Jamia Salfia thanked the Saudi government for turning this religious initiative into a bridge of friendship. He emphasized that such educational and cultural programs are powerful in deepening trust and cooperation between the two nations. Winners and participants of the contest were given cash prizes and awards.
Minahil Khurshid holds a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies from NUST. She is passionate about current affairs, public policy, and geopolitics.
