Hasan and Qiraat Competition Concludes in Abbottabad Amid Calls for Better Arrangements
ABBOTTABAD: The third annual district-level Hasan and Qiraat competition organised by the district administration in connection with Ashra Rahmat-ul-Alameen (PBUH) has concluded, with participants and organisers calling for improved arrangements at future events.
Zeeshan Akhtar secured first position, postgraduate student Maria Bibi stood second, while Qari Khalil-ur-Rehman of Havelian secured third position.
The divisional-level competitions are scheduled to be held on August 20.
The district competition was held at the District Council Hall, with around 60 students from government and private schools, colleges and madrasas participating.
However, participants and organisers expressed concerns over the arrangements, claiming that the event was delayed and the venue had not been properly prepared. According to the account provided, students and judges arrived on time, but the District Council Hall remained closed and had not been adequately cleaned.
The report also alleged that registration had been scheduled for 9am but the competition could not begin at the expected time. A small banner was reportedly displayed at the venue, while participants complained about limited decoration and inadequate sound arrangements.
Concerns were also raised about the food provided to participating students, with the report describing the meal as basic and insufficient in quality.
Participants further objected to errors on certificates, saying the certificates combined the categories of Hasan and Qiraat and did not clearly record the first, second and third positions.
Questions were also raised over the organisation of the competitions at the provincial level. Participants and organisers suggested that separate categories should be established for men, women and children, with age-appropriate divisions to ensure fair competition.
They called on the relevant provincial authorities, including the Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department, to take notice of the concerns and review the arrangements and categorisation of future competitions.
At the conclusion of the event, Additional Assistant Commissioner-I Kamran Shah distributed certificates of appreciation among the position holders and other participants and congratulated the winners.
District Youth Officer Bushra Masroor, focal person Mazhar Mahmood and Additional Secretary of Hazara Abasin Arts Council Aftab Ahmed were also present.
The judging panel comprised Mufti Saif-ur-Rehman, Qari Abdul Sattar Shah and Mufti Abdul Saboor Hashmi.
A Naat Khawani competition is scheduled to be held at the District Council Hall on Tuesday, with Naat Khawans from across Abbottabad district expected to participate.
The allegations regarding poor arrangements and the use of allocated funds are based on the report provided and would require an official response from the district administration for independent verification.
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