ISLAMABAD(National times)- The arrival of guests for Pakistan’s first-ever international Husn-e-Qirat competition began here on Saturday. The competition will be held from November 24 to 27 under the auspices of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Qari Ahmed from Chad, Qari Abdul Qadir Abdi Wahab Aden from Somalia, and Qari Abu Al-Mal Sawalla from Ghana have arrived in Islamabad. Officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs warmly welcomed the distinguished guests at the Islamabad Airport. International judge Qari Sheikh Dr Hamdullah Hafiz Muhammad Ibrahim from Egypt, Qari Hamza Moeez Ahmed Ali from Bahrain, Qari Ahmed Bakri Hassan Nawasra from Jordan, Qari Nabil Muhammad Ali Sharibati from Palestine, Qari Man Muhammad from Kazakhstan, Qari Diallo Amadou from Mali, Qari Diallo Moussa from Burkina Faso, Qari Ahmed Ahmed Maske from Mauritania and Qari Abdou Fazeluddin from Comoros will arrive in Pakistan on Sunday (today). Pakistan’s renowned Reciter (Qari) & Ministry of Religious Affairs Coordinator Syed Sadaqat Ali in statement said the initiative marked a historic moment for Pakistan, positioning it on the global map of Quranic recitation. The effort, he noted, is being strongly supported by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf. Male reciters aged 25 to 35 will be eligible to participate in the competition, which will unfold in two phases. From November 24 to 27, the top three positions will be determined, followed by a prize distribution ceremony on November 29,” he revealed. He further said the event will not only promote Pakistan’s tradition of Qirat but also motivate the country’s youth to pursue excellence in Quranic recitation. The Prime Minister has also been invited to attend the concluding ceremony, he said.