PM Shehbaz, President Zardari pay tribute to Allama Iqbal on 149th birth anniversary

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to national poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his 149th birth anniversary, acknowledging his contributions to Muslim political awareness and the intellectual foundations of Pakistan. Born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877, Iqbal is widely known as the Poet of the East.

In separate messages issued on Monday, the two leaders highlighted Iqbal’s role in awakening political consciousness among Muslims of the Subcontinent and inspiring them to recognise their distinct identity.

PM Shehbaz, in a message posted on X, said Iqbal’s visionary thought had awakened Muslims to their distinct identity and illuminated the path towards the creation of Pakistan.

He said Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi (selfhood) and the soaring spirit of his Shaheen (eagle) continued to inspire self-belief, excellence and national renewal.

The prime minister added that Iqbal’s ideals of peace, tolerance, justice and Muslim unity would continue to guide Pakistan at home and abroad.

“On this day, let us all renew our resolve to understand his message deeply and live by it,” he said.

Leaders highlight Iqbal’s political and intellectual legacy

President Zardari highlighted Iqbal’s poetry for challenging exploitation, advocating the uplift of the poor and upholding the dignity of labour.

PM Shehbaz said Iqbal’s enduring philosophy continued to broaden intellectual horizons and promote the intellectual growth of young people and future generations.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Iqbal had given Muslims of the Subcontinent a sense of identity, rights and collective future.

In his message on Iqbal Day, Dar said Iqbal’s Allahabad Address and poetry had presented a vision of a nation grounded in selfhood, faith and confidence in its cultural heritage.

He said Iqbal viewed freedom as a means of establishing a society based on human dignity, justice and equality.

Dar added that Iqbal’s philosophy called for confidence in one’s abilities, strong character and a willingness to accept responsibility.

He also stressed the importance of prioritising education and research, strengthening institutions and promoting self-reliance for Pakistan’s development.

Yearlong celebrations announced for 150th birth anniversary

PM Shehbaz also announced that the government would launch yearlong celebrations marking Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary from Monday, with the commemorations scheduled to culminate on November 9, 2027.

Dar said young people had been central to Iqbal’s hopes for the future and stressed the need to provide them with quality education, skills and opportunities.

He said Iqbal’s message to the youth was one of continuous pursuit of knowledge, high aspirations and commitment to purpose. His poetry and political vision inspired Muslims of the Subcontinent, while his historic Allahabad Address in 1930 provided political direction to the demand for a separate homeland.

The government declared November 9 a public holiday, with public and private offices and educational institutions closed for the occasion.