The Annual Inter-School Qira'at competition was held for the first time in the history of Pakistan International School, Riyadh, in S.B.W-I recently. All the Pakistani schools in the Kingdom took part in such a mega event, which was held under the supervision of Principal Professor Tahir Raza Abid and Vice Principal Professor Gohar Rafiq. The chief coordinator of the function was Saadat Ullah Khan (wing incharge - S.B.W-I) and Professor Azmat Ullah was the coordinator of the competition. Pakistan Ambassador Maznoor Ul Haq was the chief guest. The Director of Saudi Education Muhammad Abdullah Al-Qowais was the guest of honor. Link Officer Muhammad Hassan Wazir, Saudi dignitaries, principals of several Pakistani schools, media persons as well as community members attended. There were 17 participants from eight different Pakistani schools. They were divided into 2 categories, the first one was from Grade V to VIII and the second one was from Grade IX to XII. The first category was won by Saad Khan of Pakistan International School, Riyadh, and second position was secured by Ahmed Muhammad Nawaz of Pakistan International School, Jeddah (Azizia). In the second category, Muhammad Talha Bin Tahir of Pakistan International School, Riyadh, got the first position and Abdullah Amin of Pakistan International School, English Section, secured the second position in the competition. Al-Qowais, addressing the audience, said, "It is a matter of immense pleasure for me to attend such fabulous competition." He further said that Saudis and Pakistanis are like two different bodies, who have one soul. He congratulated the School Management Council for organizing such a splendid function. He further said that Pakistan International School, Riyadh, is playing a very significant role in the appropriate grooming of the students as well as providing them quality religious as well as worldly education. The students of this great alma mater have made their names in the world, which is really a matter of great pride for this institution. He distributed certificates along with the Link Officer as well as the Principal to the participants of the competition. Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq, Link Officer Muhammad Hassan Wazir and Principal Professor Tahir Raza Abid distributed shields and prizes to the winners of this Qira'at competition. Gifts were also awarded to the principals of different Pakistani schools, judges and some participants. The principal also presented shields to chief guest, guest of honor, link officer and chief coordinator of this competition. The principal also addressed the audience on this occasion and thanked the chief guest for sparing his precious time. He also thanked the principals as well as participants of other Pakistani schools for taking part in this competition. He also said that such events should take place on regular basis because such events provide an opportunity to all the schools to sit together and to sort out all types of common issues. He said that Islam is a complete code of life and our Holy Qur'an provides us complete guidance to live a happier and successful life. In the end, he thanked the community members for gracing the occasion. He also acknowledged the efforts of vice principal, wing incharge S.B.W-I and the staff members for making this function a success. Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq congratulated the school management, organizers as well as the teachers for conducting such a splendid competition. He further emphasized on the need of conducting such functions on regular basis. He said that every participant is a winner in this competition and one should not bother about losing and winning because it is a part of life. He also said that Holy Qur'an will be recited as well as read till the existence of this world and it is great source of guidance for all of us. He also acknowledged the participation of other Pakistani schools in this Qira'at competition. He said that next year not only Pakistani schools but also other schools will also be invited to such competition. — SG
