Nation observes 146th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: The 146th birth anniversary of national poet, Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal is being observed with national fervor on Thursday.

The government has declared a public holiday nationwide to celebrate the day.

The Philosopher poet known as Poet of the East, Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal was born in Sialkot on November 9,1877.

He awakened the Muslims of the Subcontinent through his  universal poetry and political acumen by presenting idea of the creation of Pakistan through his historic address at Allahabad in 1930.

Allama Iqbal’s address gave a clear direction and separate identity to Muslims of the Sub-Continent to achieve Pakistan.

Radio Pakistan and TV channels are presenting special programmes in connection with Iqbal Day to highlight poetry and thoughts of Allama Iqbal.

The day will be marked by various literary and educational events, including poetry recitations, seminars, and exhibitions dedicated to Iqbal’s work, which continues to inspire the nation’s socio-political thought and cultural ethos.

This year’s celebration holds particular significance as it marks the centennial of Iqbal’s influential lecture series in 1922-23, which laid down the philosophical groundwork for the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.

President Dr. Arif Alvi and the Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar have paid rich tribute to Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his 146th birth anniversary.

Banks to remain closed on Allama Iqbal Day

In their separate messages, they said Dr. Allama Iqbal was the great benefactor of the Muslims of sub-continent, who envisioned the idea of a separate homeland for them and later his dream was translated into reality.

President Dr. Arif Alvi in his message said Iqbal was a great thinker who imbibed in Muslims the spirit of unity, through his writings and poetry.

He said in order to make Pakistan a prosperous nation, we need to follow Allama Iqbal’s teachings on Islam and his philosophy of “Khudi” that believes in the promotion of self-respect and human dignity.

Change of guard ceremony

A prestigious change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy, clad in immaculate whites, assumed ceremonial guard duties with traditional spirit and enthusiasm.

 Station Commander of Pakistan Navy Lahore, Commodore Sajjad Hussain, graced the occasion as the special guest.

During his visit, Commodore Sajjad Hussain conducted a thorough inspection of the guards, which included personnel from Pakistan Rangers and the Pakistan Navy.

In a symbol of respect and honor, Station Commander Lahore Commodore Sajjad Hussain paid his respects at the Mausoleum of Iqbal by laying a wreath of flowers, a poignant gesture that added significance to the occasion.”