1+ day, 42+ min ago (292+ words) ISLAMABAD " The first-ever International Qiraat Competition in Pakistan saw participation from from 37 countries around the world. The event was held at the Pakistan National Convention Center in Islamabad, with the award ceremony beginning with a recitation by Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali. Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Yousaf, welcomed the "reciters" from around the world and stated, "We are honored to host Qaris from 37 countries in Pakistan." Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke at the event, highlighting that the competition reflected Pakistan's efforts to promote unity among the Muslim Ummah. He emphasized that Pakistan is the only country founded on the basis of the Kalima, and called on the youth to strengthen their connection with the Holy Qur'an. Ishaq Dar further noted, "It is a matter of great pride for me to be part of this…...

2+ day, 13+ hour ago (361+ words) Top News in Pakistan: Read Latest Breaking News on Pakistan Politics, Business, World, Sports, Lifestyle, CPEC, Articles, from pakobserver. Role of Religion & Law in Dialogue Among Civilizations Well-known Austrian scholar and Associate Professor of Legal Philosophy at the University of Vienna, Dr Stefan Hammer on Thursday delivered the keynote address on "Role of Religion & Law in Dialogue Among Civilizations" at the Islamic Research Institute (IRI) International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Faisal Masjid Campus. Dr Stafen viewed religion as a binding force that united people representing diverse ethnicities, region, languages and culture and promoted peace, tolerance and co-existence in the world. The lecture that was organized by the IRI, IIUI in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Austria, International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA), Directorate of Students Affairs and Faculty of Shariah & Law IIU was attended by a…...

5+ day, 1+ hour ago (209+ words) ISLAMABAD " The federal government on Tuesday announced the introduction of a synchronized Azan and congregational prayer timing system in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, set to begin from January 1, 2026. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, confirmed that the uniform prayer timings will be implemented starting January 1, 2026. He explained that the framework for this initiative had already been largely completed during his previous tenure, with 80% of the work finished. Speaking on the broader plan, Minister Yousaf revealed that the system would not be limited to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Following the successful implementation in these cities, the government plans to extend the synchronized prayer timings nationwide, with consultations underway with religious scholars in major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. The new system aims to bring uniformity to prayer timings, ensuring that Muslims across the country…...

5+ day, 12+ hour ago (441+ words) He said the event was a great honour for the country, with participants from up to forty nations taking part, adding that the event will also strengthen the spiritual bond among Muslim countries. Sardar Yousuf assured that all participants and judges would be provided with the best facilities and would feel Pakistan as their second home. Calling those who memorize and recite the Quran fortunate, he said the Holy Quran is a source of guidance and a complete code of conduct for all Muslims. Quoting a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he added "The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it." The minister highlighted that Pakistan, a nation of 250 million people, primarily speaks and understands Urdu as its national language. However, he stressed that learning Arabic is equally important for Pakistanis, as it is…...

1+ week, 1+ day ago (267+ words) ISLAMABAD " Self-acclaimed religious scholar and YouTube sensation Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza was declared guilty of blasphemy by Council of Islamic Ideology's (CII) but Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended the opinion of the top religious body. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of Islamabad High Court highlighted constitutional loophole, ruling only the president, a governor, or Parliament has the authority to seek the CII's opinion. Private individuals or organizations are not allowed to do so in this capacity. "Whether a private entity can obtain such an opinion is a critical question that demands further arguments," the judge said. CII's director general has submitted all relevant documents to the court for review. The court adjourned the hearing until December 4 and has explicitly prohibited the use of the CII opinion in any court proceedings, investigations, or official actions until then. Authorities, including the FIA, police, and…...

1+ week, 2+ day ago (195+ words) Surah An-Nisa's verses 7, 11, 12, and 14 address the topic of women's inheritance and instruct Muslims to give each eligible lawful heir of a deceased person their fair portion. Despite this clear guidance, women are often excluded from inheritance. The higher courts have emphasized the need to apply the law strictly and noted that procedural flaws and legal technicalities, such as the concepts of res judicata, estoppel, and adverse possession, may not deny a woman her right to inherit. This decision is revolutionary since Pakistani women have historically been denied the ability to inherit, often due to deeply ingrained traditions and patriarchal standards. The right of women to inherit, granted over fourteen centuries ago, was genuinely unmatched, as women in Western societies were not granted similar rights or benefits at that time. While reforms to streamline the legal system would be beneficial in…...

2+ week, 1+ day ago (219+ words) LAHORE " An Indian Sikh pilgrim named Sarbjit Kaur has embraced Islam and changed her name to "Noor" after marrying Pakistani national Nasir Hussain in Sheikhupura. The marriage took place on November 5, and her new name was officially recorded in the marriage certificate. Sarbjit, who had been part of a group of Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, had been attempting for some time to obtain a visa to visit Pakistan. After her conversion, she became a Pakistani citizen and settled in Sheikhupura. Initially, concerns arose regarding her whereabouts when she was not present with the rest of the pilgrims after their return. However, it was later clarified that she had chosen to stay behind after her marriage to Nasir Hussain. In her personal life, Sarbjit revealed that she is a divorced woman and…...

2+ week, 1+ day ago (96+ words) Top News in Pakistan: Read Latest Breaking News on Pakistan Politics, Business, World, Sports, Lifestyle, CPEC, Articles, from pakobserver. Hajj 2026: Banks to remain open on Saturday to collect dues KARACHI " On the request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed that all branches designated for Hajj operations shall remain open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025. These branches will remain open to facilitate the deposit of Hajj dues (Second Instalment) by intending pilgrims of Hajj 2026....

2+ week, 2+ day ago (943+ words) Top News in Pakistan: Read Latest Breaking News on Pakistan Politics, Business, World, Sports, Lifestyle, CPEC, Articles, from pakobserver. "My entire journey was all within myself, but when I came into the presence of my Lord all I felt was servant hood with no trace of sovereignty left in me." Ibn "Arabi IT is important to qualify that when Sufis refer to the idea of union, it is not on the level of God's essence, but only on the level of divine names and attributes. This is an important distinction, which assures that mystical theology remains in the folds of accepted orthodox theology. Union or realization of its already present reality does not mean complete human identification with the absolute God. Mankind only becomes one with God to the degree of divine manifestations in the created order. In other words,…...

2+ week, 6+ day ago (803+ words) Top News in Pakistan: Read Latest Breaking News on Pakistan Politics, Business, World, Sports, Lifestyle, CPEC, Articles, from pakobserver. Islam is a religion of peace, compassion and harmony for all humanity. Its universal message promotes tolerance, coexistence and mutual respect among people, fostering a global environment free of hatred, fear and prejudice. The core philosophy of Islam is that through the promotion of peace and moral restraint, conflicts within societies and among nations can be reduced, paving the way for justice and collective well-being. Contrary to this divine philosophy, the Fitna-Al-Khawarij (FAK) has emerged as a violent deviation from Islamic principles. Rooted in extremism, FAK glorifies bloodshed and terror under the false pretext of religion. Over the past two decades, it has sought to exploit the name of Islam to justify barbaric acts'killing innocents, attacking schools, markets and even mosques....