President, Prime Minister pay tribute to his extraordinary role in awakening the spirit of independence among Muslims
Allama Iqbal. PHOTO: FILE
Pakistan celebrated Allama Muhammad Iqbal Day on November 9, celebrating the 148th birth anniversary of the national poet. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have renewed their commitment to the principles and vision of Allama Muhammad Iqbal for a prosperous, peaceful and united Pakistan.
In their separate messages on his birth anniversary, they paid tribute to his thoughts and his extraordinary role in awakening the spirit of independence among the Muslims of the subcontinent.
The president said Allama Iqbal’s insistence on political representation of Muslims left a lasting imprint on Pakistan’s national identity. In his message, the Prime Minister said that today the world needs Iqbal’s message of brotherhood, love and justice.
He added that the government had launched several programs to empower the youth in line with the vision of Allama Iqbal.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal, thinker of Pakistan and poet of the East. He said Iqbal’s personality and philosophy constituted an unprecedented legacy which awakened a sense of individuality and dignity among the Muslims of the subcontinent.
Naqvi said 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 (individuality), Naqvi said, instilled in young people high aspirations, unwavering 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 grant us the strength to follow Iqbal’s vision and lead Pakistan to new heights of prosperity. Ameen.”
Sindh leaders call for unity, individuality and youth empowerment
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said Iqbal’s khudi philosophy teaches self-confidence and nation-building, urging the youth to adopt his ideas for the progress of Pakistan.
He highlighted Iqbal’s vision of a moderate, forward-looking Muslim society and his lifelong support for unity among Muslims, including solidarity with Palestine. The chief minister said following Iqbal’s teachings could help resolve current challenges and called for national unity to ensure a better future.
State Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said Iqbal introduced generations to identity, individuality and national consciousness. He highlighted that Iqbal’s message promotes spiritual growth, knowledge and responsibility, urging young people to harness their potential and play an active role in the development of Pakistan.
PPP leadership renews commitment to Iqbal’s dream
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Iqbal’s vision of a progressive and independent nation continues to inspire confidence and collective well-being across generations.
He recalled how Shaheed Benazir Bhutto advanced this mission by empowering people and strengthening democracy, and called for unity to build a youth-led Pakistan of hope, equality and dignity – the country Iqbal dreamed of.
Lahore
A changing of guard ceremony was held this morning at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore to pay homage to the poet of the East, Dr. Allama Iqbal, on his 148th birth anniversary. Pakistan Navy Central Punjab Commander Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmi was the chief guest.
Changing of the guard ceremony in Mazar-e-Iqbal Photo: RadioPak
He placed a wreath on the grave of the national poet, offered Fatehand inspected 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.
