Iqbal Day tomorrow: Public holiday declared nationwide

ISLAMABAD: The nation will observe Iqbal Day tomorrow (Nov 9) to honor the 146th birth anniversary of the renowned poet, Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal. The government has declared a public holiday nationwide to celebrate the day.

Born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877, Dr. Iqbal is fondly remembered as the “Poet of the East.”

This special occasion promises to unite the nation in celebration, with public offices, educational institutions, and businesses shutting their doors to mark Iqbal Day.

It’s a day of great national enthusiasm, especially for school students, who find various creative ways to pay tribute to this literary legend. From crafting Iqbal Day charts to delivering heartfelt speeches and reciting his poetry, the spirit of unity and inspiration is everywhere.

Iqbal Day carries a profound message of unity and empowerment, emphasizing the vital role that Dr. Iqbal played in inspiring the Pakistan movement among the Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent. It’s a day when prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan echo across the nation, and citizens pay their respects by visiting the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal. Educational institutes come alive with special events that delve into the rich history and the wisdom found within Iqbal’s literature, instilling his ideals and ideology into the younger generation.

Stock market to remain closed on November 9 due to Allama Iqbal day holiday announcement

Even with the holiday in full swing, essential services continue uninterrupted, ensuring the well-being of the nation. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has declared a bank holiday on November 9, 2023, in honor of Allama Iqbal Day, aligning with the government’s announcement. As a result, commercial banks across Pakistan will be closed on November 9 (Thursday) but will resume regular operations on November 10 (Friday).

However, in a separate development, the Punjab government has decided to extend the holiday for smog-hit districts of the province, offering a four-day break.

Caretaker Chief Minister Naqvi clarified that while most businesses will observe these additional holidays, marriage halls will remain open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, along with essential services like bakeries, pharmacies, take-away restaurants, and public transport. Factories will not be closed, and markets will have a half-day closure on Saturdays, while traders can choose to close on Fridays as they see fit.

So, as the nation prepares to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal, a spirit of unity and respect fills the air, while citizens take a well-deserved break in smog-affected regions.