All Pakistan Annual Naat Competition, jointly organized by Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television, in connection with Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW), was held at Pakistan National Council of Arts in Islamabad today.

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf was the chief guest of the event.

Director General Radio Pakistan Saeed Ahmed Shaikh, Directors, officers and a large number of Radio employees and common people attended the ceremony.

In boys' category of below fifteen years of age, Muhammad Talha Hashmi from Islamabad secured first position, Muhammad Faizan from Balochistan stood second while Syed Ahmad Ali Shah belonging to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa clinched third position.

In girls' category of below fifteen years of age, Hoorain Fatima from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa came first, Sakina Batool from Gilgit Baltistan second while Kanza Razzaq of Punjab secured third position.

In third category of boys aged 15 to 25 years, Ali Zain from Punjab got first position, Hamza Ashraf hailing from Islamabad stood second while Syed Ehsaan Ali Shah from Sindh bagged third position.

In the fourth category of girls aged 15 to 25 years, Tanzeela from Sindh won the first position, Areeba Ghulam Nabi from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stood second while Ayesha Bibi from Punjab got third position.

Addressing the Naat Competition, Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said Naat connects younger generations with rich traditions of Islamic teachings and create spirit of love for Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) in the hearts.

He emphasized that there is a dire need to promote peaceful society, mutual respect, humanity and interfaith harmony in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (SAWW).

Lauding Radio Pakistan and PTV for holding such a great event to pay tributes to the Holy Prophet [SAWW], the Minister said both the national broadcasters are playing a viral role in continuing this great tradition and sacred responsibility for the last more than forty years.

In his remarks, Director General Radio Pakistan Saeed Ahmed Shaikh, especially thanked Secretary Information and Broadcasting and MD PTV Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil for extending all-out support in organizing such kind of events.

He pledged that Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television would continue this sacred tradition of organizing Naat competition with dedication and further facilitation in future as well.

Director General Radio Pakistan Saeed Ahmed Shaikh, General Manager PTV Sohail Ashraf, Director Programmes Radio Pakistan Musarrat Shah Rukh distributed cash prizes among the position holders and other participating Naat Khawans.

One hundred thousand rupees cash prize was given to first position holders of all the categories, seventy-five thousand rupees for second position holders and fifty thousand rupees for third position holders. Twenty- five thousand rupees were given as special prizes to all Naat Khawans of the contest.

Special prayers for peace, prosperity, and development of the country were also offered on the occasion.