Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, has emphasized the strategic importance of expanding the transmission of Saut-ul-Quran along Lahore-Islamabad, and Islamabad-Peshawar Motorways, as these routes are among the most frequently traveled in the country.

Speaking at a meeting held to review progress of the Saut-ul-Quran Channel Project in Islamabad, he directed that the Channel should broadcast Islamic content in multiple regional languages to ensure widespread dissemination of authentic Islamic teachings, providing guidance on contemporary issues based on Islamic principles.

Ahsan Iqbal said we are living in an era of information warfare, and it is essential that we equip ourselves to disseminate the correct and authentic information.

He said the Saut-ul-Quran project is vital in spreading the true message of Islam, especially in today’s times.

The Minister also instructed the relevant authorities to expedite the completion of Phase-II of the Saut-ul-Quran project, with a target to launch it by the first week of next month, coinciding with the Islamic month of Rabi-ul-Awwal.

The meeting was attended by Director General of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), Saeed Ahmed Shaikh, along with senior officials from the Planning Ministry and Radio Pakistan.

It was briefed that the Saut-ul-Quran FM Network project was initially conceived in 2015 under the vision of the Federal Government. Its aim is to establish a direct link between the Holy Quran and listeners, providing a platform for learning the correct recitation of Quranic verses along with their Urdu translation. The project is being implemented in three phases

The approved budget for the project stands at 212.777 million rupees. The project currently covers 16 cities or sites, including Kallar Kahar (Chakwal), Faqeerabad (Attock), Larkana, Bhit Shah (Matiari), Landhi (Karachi), Khuzdar, Loralai, Turbat, Zhob, Yaru (Pishin), Chitral, Abbottabad, Kohat, Nowshera, Muzaffarabad, and Islamabad (Rawat).

It was further informed that out of the 15 transmitters delivered, five have been installed, and work is underway to complete the installation of the remaining transmitters.

As part of the upcoming Phase-III, additional sites will be covered, including Layyah, Bhimber, Jamal Din Wali, Kala Shah Kaku, Pasrur, Sahiwal, Chishtian, Mailsi, Mianchannu, and Sakesar in Punjab; Tando Allahyar, Noor Pur, Shikarpur, Deh Shah Mureed, and Umer Kot in Sindh; Dir, Thandani, Mangora, Chirat, Bajour, Poran, and Para Chanar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; and Pangur, Kalat, Khojakpass, Dera Bughti, and Nushki in Balochistan.

This ambitious project aims to strengthen the spiritual and educational bond between the Holy Quran and its listeners across Pakistan, ensuring access to Islamic teachings for people from all regions of the country.