Imran Khan 'symbolic successor' of Allama Iqbal, says poet's grandson

Waleed Iqbal was addressing a gathering at the launch ceremony of PTI's 'Youth Policy' in Lahore.

LAHORE: “I am the grandson of Allama Iqbal but the real symbolic successor of Iqbal on the political horizon of the country is Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan,” said Waleed Iqbal at the launch ceremony of PTI’s Youth Policy at Expo Center Lahore on Sunday.

Waleed said this while addressing the gathering at the ceremony, which was attended by Imran, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and PTI President Javed Hashmi. Hundreds of youth supporters and PTI leaders from across the country attended the ceremony.

Waleed had earlier said the same during a recent interview, when on being asked whether he would spread Iqbal’s poetry after joining PTI, he had replied, “There isn’t a need to spread Iqbal’s message to common people now as PTI Chairman Imran has already done so.”

Commenting on Imran’s reference to Iqbal in his autobiography, Waleed had added that the autobiography not only had a chapter dedicated to Iqbal but Imran had repeatedly mentioned throughout the book on how he had learnt from Iqbal.

At the ceremony, Waleed also recited verses from Iqbal’s famous poem ‘Saqi Naama’.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly mentioned Munib Iqbal instead of Waleed Iqbal. The error is regretted.