Pakistan pays homage to Allama Iqbal on his 148th birth anniversary

LAHORE: The 148th birth anniversary of Pakistan’s national poet and philosopher, Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal, was observed in Lahore with traditional reverence and national pride. Commemoration events are also being held across country, while tributes from political leaders pour in.

A dignified ceremony of changing the guard took place at the Mazar-e-Iqbal (Iqbal Shrine), where a contingent of the Pakistan Navy assumed the duties of the ceremonial guard.

The colorful Navy contingent presented a salute at the mausoleum, marking the beginning of the formal commemorations. Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmed Azmi, Commander of the Pakistan Navy Central Punjab, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. He inspected the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Rangers contingents, appreciating their precision and discipline.

Following the inspection, Rear Admiral Azmi laid a wreath at the tomb of the great thinker and offered special prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity of the nation. He also recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book, paying homage to Iqbal’s enduring vision and contribution to the creation of Pakistan.

Later, a wreath was also laid on behalf of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, along with Navy officers, sailors, and civilian staff.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, said, “Allama Iqbal awakened the consciousness of freedom among the Muslims of the subcontinent. Iqbal’s message is still a source of guidance.”

He said that the 1930 Allahabad sermon became the foundation of the autonomy of the Muslims, adding that the national poet accentuated the identity, spirituality and freedom of the Muslim Ummah. “His ideas shaped the national identity of Pakistan,” he said, adding, “We renew our resolve to continue following the principles of Iqbal.”

Iqbal’s intellectual legacy will remain a beacon for generations to come, President Zardari said.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also issued a special message paying glowing tribute to the “Poet of the East” and “Thinker of Pakistan.”

“Punjab and the people of Punjab salute the intellectual greatness of Allama Iqbal,” she said. “He was not only a poet but also a reformer and a counselor who gave the Muslims of the subcontinent a sense of freedom through his poetry.”

CM Nawaz highlighted that Iqbal’s ideas inspired Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to lead the nation toward independence.

“Allama Iqbal gave a thought-provoking message to the youth, the lesson of self-reliance, which remains his greatest gift to the nation,” she said. “Practicing self-reliance is the best way to express love for Allama Iqbal.”

She added that Pakistan could become a true welfare state by following Iqbal’s philosophy of moderation, justice, and equality, and that Iqbal’s universal message of Islam continues to inspire humanity across generations.

“It is the need of the hour to establish a free, fair, and just social and economic system by adhering to Iqbal’s thoughts,” the CM said. “Only through a true understanding of his philosophy can Pakistan achieve a prominent place in the world.”

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also issued a message on the 148th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, honouring the poet-philosopher’s timeless contributions to the intellectual and spiritual upliftment of the Muslim world, particularly the youth of Pakistan.

Memon said that Allama Iqbal’s thoughts and poetry have continued to inspire generations, offering them a deep sense of identity, self-esteem, and national consciousness.

“Allama Iqbal’s message has always been a guiding light for the youth of every era. His words have instilled a sense of pride in their heritage and empowered them with the strength to dream and achieve,” Memon said, highlighting the lasting impact of Iqbal’s poetry on the nation’s younger generations.

Memon also highlighted that Iqbal’s philosophy is a message of spiritual elevation, self-determination, and the pursuit of knowledge, all of which are essential for the survival and progress of any nation. He called on the youth to reflect deeply on Iqbal’s vision, which remains relevant to their personal growth and to the country’s advancement.

“Allama Iqbal’s message teaches us that the survival of a nation depends on the individual’s sense of responsibility, knowledge, and a commitment to self-determination,” Memon said. “His ideas not only uplift the soul but also guide the path toward a prosperous and just society.”

Memon also reflected on the central role of self-esteem in achieving greatness, as noted in Iqbal’s poetry. He pointed out that nations, like individuals, cannot rise to prominence without fostering a deep sense of dignity and self-worth, values that Iqbal championed throughout his work.