Tributes paid to Iqbal on 86th death anniversary

The nation commemorated the 86th death anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal on Sunday, paying tributes to his struggle and services for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent.

Born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877, Allama Iqbal, affectionately known as Muffakir-e-Pakistan, Shair-e-Mashriq, and Hakeemul Ummat, is revered for his vision that laid the foundation for the concept of an independent nation for Muslims, ultimately culminating in the establishment of Pakistan in 1947.

Renowned for his literary prowess in both Urdu and Persian, his works such as Asrar-e-Khudi, Payam-i-Mashriq, Bang-i-Dara, Bal-i-Jibril, Zarb-i Kalim, and Armughan-e-Hijaz are cherished as masterpieces of literature.

Various educational, political, social, and cultural organisations come together to honour Allama Iqbal's legacy, organising special programmes to illuminate his philosophy, life, and contributions. Iqbal's enduring legacy continues to inspire generations, fostering a spirit of enlightenment and patriotism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commemorated Allama Iqbal's vision, stating that Iqbal envisioned Pakistan as a bastion of peace, political tolerance, and fraternity. He emphasized the imperative of rededicating ourselves to realizing Iqbal's aspirations through concerted efforts.

Sharif highlighted Iqbal's desire for the youth to propel the nation towards progress and development through their constructive endeavours. He noted Iqbal's focus on youth empowerment, emphasizing their awareness of ancestral sacrifices, national pride, and heritage.

In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing, Sharif underscored Iqbal's teachings, urging youth to engage in continuous struggle, pursue knowledge, conduct research, and draw inspiration from the rich Muslim legacy. He extolled Iqbal's concept of self-hood (Khudi) as a guiding principle for humanity, asserting its relevance across modern universities worldwide.

Sharif concluded by emphasizing the enduring significance of Iqbal's philosophy and teachings, highlighting ongoing research on his ideas both regionally and globally.