The Annual All Pakistan Naat competition jointly organized by Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television in connection with Eid Mild-un-Nabi (SAWW) was held at National Broadcasting House in Islamabad on Thursday.

In boys' category of below 15 years of age, Raja Ahkam Mushtaq from Azad Jammu and Kashmir took first position, Faizan Ahmad from Balochistan came second and Awais Karni from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa secured third position in the competition.

In girls' category of below 15 years of age, Ayesha Noor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bagged first position, Aliya Akbar from Punjab second and Iman Fatima from AJK secured third position.

In the category of boys in the age bracket of 15-25 years, Muhammad Ali from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa got first position; Ali Nawaz from Punjab took second position whereas Syed Saadat Ali Qadri from AJK secured third position.

In the category of girls in age group of 15-25 years, Sumaiya Noor from Sindh got first position, Javeria Muhammad Shoukat from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took second position and Zohra Aziz from Balochistan got third position.

First position holders were awarded with cash prize of 100, 000 rupees, second position holders 75,000 rupees and third position holders 50, 000 rupees. Other participants who reached the final were also given cash prize of twenty five thousand rupees. 

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Mufti Abdul Shakoor congratulated Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television for organizing the Naat competition.

He said humanity can solve its problems by following the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW). He said manifesto presented by the Hazrat Muhammad Rasool Allah Khatam-un-Nabiyeen Sallallaho Alaihe Wa Alayhee Wa Ashabehi Wassalam is recognized by all the jurisprudents of the world.

The Minister said Hazrat Muhammad Rasool Allah Khatam-un-Nabiyeen Sallallaho Alaihe Wa Alayhee Wa Ashabehi Wassalam through his life and character preached us about protecting rights of other people. He said our Prophet (PBUH) even preached about the norms of wars.

Mufti Abdul Shakoor said Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) stressed on respecting women and elders.

He emphasized on learning the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) and implementing his lifestyle in our own lives.

The Minister said life of Muhammad is a gateway to curb extremism, terrorism and sectarianism in society. He called for promoting unity and tolerance in the society.

In his remarks Senator Irfan Siddiqui said recitation of a Naat is an honour for writers and Naat Khawans.

He said recitation of Naat has long history in our Islamic tradition. He said Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) also appreciated his companions for presenting Naats.

The Senator said Naat Khawani is not only limited to Muslims but even the non-Muslims have also praised our Prophet (SAWW).

He urged the participants to study and follow the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW). He announced to provide books on Seerat-un-Nabi (SAWW) to all participants.

In the end, the Minister for Religious Affairs Mufti Abdul Shakoor, Senator Irfan Siddiqui and Director General Radio Pakistan Sohail Ali Khan gave away prizes to the winners.