Pakistan observes the 149th birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal as President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pay tribute to his legacy.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is observing the 149th birth anniversary of national poet and philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal on Monday with national enthusiasm and respect, remembering his literary contributions, philosophical vision and role in awakening political consciousness among Muslims of the Subcontinent.
Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, Iqbal is widely known as the Poet of the East. His philosophical poetry and intellectual contributions played a significant role in shaping Muslim political thought and inspiring the struggle for a separate homeland.
His vision and ideas helped Muslims recognise their distinct identity and understand the need for political and national representation. His historic Allahabad Address in 1930 provided important political direction to Muslims of the Subcontinent and strengthened the demand for a separate homeland.
On the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the national poet, acknowledging his lasting influence on Muslim political thought and the Pakistan Movement.
In their special messages, both leaders described Iqbal as a visionary philosopher, statesman and intellectual whose ideas awakened a sense of national identity among Muslims and inspired their struggle for an independent homeland.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iqbal’s philosophy continued to guide younger generations by encouraging intellectual development, self-awareness and a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the Muslim world.
He also highlighted the continuing relevance of Iqbal’s interpretation of Islamic teachings, describing his thoughts as a source of guidance for Muslims in the modern era.
The president and prime minister also announced year-long celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal, which will fall on November 9, 2027. The planned celebrations are intended to recognise and highlight the national poet’s enduring literary, philosophical and political contributions.
Meanwhile, the federal government has declared November 9 a public holiday across Pakistan to commemorate Iqbal’s birth anniversary. Public and private offices, as well as educational institutions, remain closed on the occasion.
Special ceremonies and programmes are being organised in different parts of the country to highlight Iqbal’s intellectual legacy, poetry and contributions to Muslim political awareness.
The annual observance provides an opportunity to revisit his philosophical teachings, particularly his emphasis on self-awareness, intellectual growth and the importance of developing individual and collective potential.
Allama Iqbal remains one of the most influential figures in the intellectual and political history of the Subcontinent, with his poetry and ideas continuing to hold a prominent place in Pakistan’s national identity.
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