Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with local religious institutions, organized a Quran Memorization Competition at Jamia Salfia. The event brought together students from various hifz institutions across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Prominent Guests Attend Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including:
Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki
Sheikh Mutib bin Muhammad Al-Judaie, Director of Religious Affairs at the Saudi Embassy
Dr. Fahd bin Faraj Al-Juhani
Dr. Adel Al-Subaie from Imam University Riyadh
Senior Pakistani scholars, including Rector Jamia Salfia Hafiz Sheikh Muhammad Shafiq and Sheikh-ul-Hadith Allama Ibrahim Khalil Al-Fazli, were also present along with other dignitaries from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Saudi Ambassador Reaffirms Strong Pakistan–Saudi Relations
In his address, Ambassador Al-Maliki reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia considers Pakistan a close, trusted brotherly nation. He said the bond between the two countries goes beyond diplomacy and is rooted in shared faith, history, and cultural heritage.
He highlighted that Pakistan–Saudi relations have grown significantly—especially in economic cooperation, investment, security, and people-to-people contacts.
The ambassador added that Saudi Arabia is expanding its investment, development assistance, and welfare projects in Pakistan. He emphasized Riyadh’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic stability, empowering youth, and promoting religious and cultural initiatives.
Competition Reflects Deep Bilateral Friendship
According to the ambassador, the Quran Memorization Competition itself reflects the deep and enduring friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said the Kingdom will continue supporting Pakistan across all sectors, strengthening brotherly ties for future generations.
Jamia Salfia Rector Expresses Gratitude
Rector Hafiz Sheikh Muhammad Shafiq thanked the Saudi government for transforming this religious initiative into a symbol of friendship. He said such educational and cultural events deepen mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations.
At the end of the ceremony, winners and participants received cash prizes and awards.
Khalid Minhas | Editor, Diplomatic Wire
A veteran journalist with three decades of comprehensive experience, Khalid Minhas has covered politics and international relations in depth throughout his career. He has also contributed to academia, teaching journalism and mass communication as a visiting faculty member at various universities in Pakistan. He holds an M.Phil in Mass Communication and is currently a Ph.D research scholar pursuing advanced studies in the field. He is also the author of the book America, Israel aur Islam, providing insightful analysis on the subject.
