President, Prime Minister pays tribute to his extraordinary role in awakening spirit of independence among Muslims
Allama Iqbal. PHOTO: FILE
Pakistan celebrated Allama Muhammad Iqbal Day on November 9 to commemorate the 148th birth anniversary of the national poet. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif renewed their commitment to Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s principles and vision for a prosperous, peaceful and united Pakistan.
In their separate messages on the birthday, they hailed his thoughts and extraordinary role in awakening the spirit of independence among the Muslims of the subcontinent.
The President said Allama Iqbal’s insistence on political representation for Muslims had left a lasting mark on Pakistan’s national identity. In his message, the Prime Minister said that the world today needs Iqbal’s message of brotherhood, love and justice.
He added that the government had launched several programs to empower youth in line with Allama Iqbal’s vision.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Pakistan’s thinker and poet of the East. He said that Iqbal’s personality and philosophy was an unparalleled legacy that instilled a sense of self-esteem and dignity among the Muslims of the subcontinent.
Naqvi said that Pakistan was the realization of Iqbal’s dream and its protection was a shared responsibility. He noted that Iqbal’s teachings continued to serve as a source of guidance.
The philosophy of Khudi (selfhood), Naqvi said, had instilled in young people high aspirations, steadfast faith and self-confidence. He described Iqbal’s poetry as an eternal message that calls for reflection and action.
“Today we must embrace Iqbal’s message to build and advance our nation,” Naqvi said, adding: “May Allah give us the strength to follow Iqbal’s vision and lead Pakistan to new heights of prosperity. Ameen.”
Sindh leaders call for unity, independence and youth empowerment
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said Iqbal’s philosophy of khudi teaches self-reliance and nation-building, urging youth to adopt his ideas for Pakistan’s progress.
He highlighted Iqbal’s vision of a moderate and forward-looking Muslim society and his lifelong support for unity among Muslims, including solidarity with Palestine. The Chief Minister said that following Iqbal’s teachings could help solve the present day challenges and called for national unity to ensure a brighter future.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said Iqbal introduced generations to identity, selfhood and national consciousness. He emphasized that Iqbal’s message promotes spiritual growth, knowledge and responsibility, and encourages young people to tap into their potential and play an active role in Pakistan’s development.
PPP leadership renews pledge to Iqbal’s dream
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Iqbal’s vision of a progressive, independent nation continues to inspire confidence and collective welfare across generations.
He recalled how Shaheed Benazir Bhutto advanced this mission by empowering people and strengthening democracy and appealed for unity to build a Pakistan of hope, equality and dignity led by the youth – the land of Iqbal’s dream.
Lahore
A changing of the guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore this morning to pay tribute to the Poet of the East, Dr. Allama Iqbal, on the occasion of his 148th birthday. Commander Pakistan Navy, Central Punjab, Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmi was the chief guest.
Changing of the Guard ceremony held in Mazar-e-Iqbal Photo: RadioPak
He laid a wreath on the grave of the national poet, offered Fatehaand inspected the contingents of the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Rangers. The Pakistan Navy contingent, dressed in ceremonial attire, took over guard duties at Mazar-e-Iqbal from the Pakistan Rangers.
