ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the government will commence the year-long commemoration of the 149th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal from today, culminating on 9 November next year.
In a message on Iqbal Day, 149th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, 9 November 2026, he said, “A comprehensive programme of national and international events is being formally launched, featuring international conferences, academic and research seminars, literary festivals, exhibitions, educational competitions and cultural activities. These commemorative initiatives aim to preserve and transmit Iqbal’s rich intellectual legacy to future generations.”
He said, “On the auspicious occasion of Iqbal Day, I pay my profound tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the Poet of the East. Allama Iqbal awakened political consciousness among the Muslims of the subcontinent, inspiring them to recognise and assert their distinct national identity. This consciousness of a separate identity played a pivotal role in their historic struggle for the creation of an independent homeland.”
“Allama Iqbal was a person of exceptional intellectual stature and profound wisdom. The enduring thought of this eminent philosopher and visionary continues to broaden intellectual horizons and foster the intellectual growth of our youth and future generations. As a distinguished philosopher of Islam, Allama Iqbal explored the profound intellectual dimensions of Islamic teachings. His Islamic thought continues to offer meaningful and practical guidance to Muslims in their individual and collective lives,” he added.
He said, “The government is firmly committed to ensuring that Iqbal’s thought remains a dynamic and integral part of our educational institutions, national discourse and development priorities. Intellectual awakening, character building and collective renewal must, undoubtedly, form an essential part of our national objectives.”
“Allama Iqbal’s concept of Khudi (selfhood) teaches us that individuals and nations can transform their destinies through self-realisation, purposeful endeavour and spiritual emancipation. Allama Iqbal reposed immense confidence in the youth, whom he regarded as the architects of the nation’s future. His concept of the Shaheen (falcon) embodies courage, independence, lofty aspirations and an unwavering pursuit of excellence,” he observed.
He said, “Iqbal’s thought champions peace, social harmony, tolerance and justice as indispensable pillars of sustainable national development. His philosophy of life categorically rejects hatred, extremism, sectarianism and discrimination. At the international level, Iqbal’s message of Muslim unity, universal brotherhood and peaceful coexistence retains profound relevance. Guided by Iqbal’s intellectual vision, Pakistan will continue to champion unity and solidarity among the Muslim Ummah and support the peaceful resolution of international disputes.”
“Allama Iqbal’s timeless message, rooted in individual, national and universal values, continues to illuminate our path and serve as a guiding beacon for the nation. Let us renew our resolve to deepen our understanding of Iqbal’s message, promote rigorous scholarly research into his thought, foster creative thinking and strengthen our national character,” he concluded. –Agencies
