By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: The Federal government Tuesday announced a public holiday on November 9 (Wednesday) across the country to mark ‘Iqbal Day’, the 145th birth anniversary of Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal.
“The Prime Minister has been pleased to desire that November 9 (Iqbal Day) shall henceforth be observed as a Public Holiday,” read an official notification issued here.
The central bank also announced a bank holiday for Iqbal Day. “The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, being a public holiday on the occasion of Allama Iqbal Day,” it said in a notification.
The stock market would also remain closed on Iqbal Day. “All TRE Certificate Holders, Staff and concerned are hereby informed that Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited will remain closed on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 on account of Allama Iqbal Day,” said a notification by Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Moreover, the Government of Balochistan also declared a public holiday in the province.
“In continuation of Government of Pakistan, Cabinet Secretariate, Cabinet Division, Islamabad’s Press Release No.10/01/2022-Min-II dated 08th November 2022, it is notified for general information that 9th November 2022 (Wednesday) shall be observed as a public holiday in Balochistan Province on the occasion of Allah Iqbal Day,” the Balochistan government said in an official handout.
After Balochistan, the government of Sindh also followed suit of Centre. “The Government of Sindh declares 09 November 2022 (Wednesday) as a Public Holiday on the occasion of Iqbal Day. throughout the Province of Sindh for all Government offices, Autonomous Bodies.
Corporations under the Administrative Control of the Government of Sindh, except essential services and the departments and offices engaged in prevention and control of COVID-19, and rain emergency duties,” read a notice issued by the provincial government.
Dr Iqbal played an instrumental role in inspiring millions of Muslims across the sub-continent to seek an independent homeland where they could practice Islam freely.
The day would dawn with special prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Popularly known in Pakistan and other parts of the world as “Poet of the East”, Dr Iqbal was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877.
Iqbal was an acclaimed poet and philosopher. He is credited with writing poetry and using his political influence to demand the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims.
His Allahabad address of 1930 was a watershed moment in pre-partition politics. Allama Iqbal’s address gave a clear direction and separate identity to Muslims of the sub-continent to achieve Pakistan. A Change of Guards ceremony will also be held at his mausoleum in Lahore.
