ISLAMABAD: The 143rd birth anniversary of philosopher-poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal is being observed with national fervour to pay tribute to the ‘Poet of the East’.
An investiture ceremony of change of guard was held at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal in Lahore on Monday morning. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy assumed the responsibility of guard from Pakistan Rangers.
Station Commander of Pakistan Navy Commodore Naimatullah Khan laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered prayers. He also penned down his comments in visitors’ book and paid tribute to national poet.
In their separate messages on Iqbal Day, President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have urged on the need to stand united, set aside differences and work commitment for the socio-economic uplift of the country.
The president underscored the need of following Allama Iqbal’s teachings on Islam and his philosophy of ‘khudi’ that believed in the promotion of self-respect and human dignity, to make Pakistan a prosperous nation.
He said that Iqbal was a great benefactor of the Muslims of the subcontinent who envisioned the idea of a separate homeland and later his dream was translated into reality. He called upon the younger generation to follow his path and ideals that would greatly help Muslim Ummah in overcoming the modern day challenges.
Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message also emphasised on individual and collective responsibility in building of the nation while exploring Allama Iqbal’s thoughts. He said Iqbal not only dreamt of Pakistan but also reflected upon the issues it would have to face after its creation.
He underlined the need of seeking guidance from Iqbal’s thoughts to find a solution to the issues being faced by the nation and transforming it into an Islamic welfare state. It was due to the farsightedness of his personality who had many years earlier predicted the contemporary problems being faced by us, he added.
The prime minister said Allama Iqbal had decided to guide the Muslims of subcontinent with his thoughts and poetry at a time when they were in search of their identity. With his poetry, Iqbal invoked that power with which the Muslims overcame their sense of despondency, guiding them to achieve the impossible, he added.
The prime minister said Iqbal’s vision was a guiding force to overcome issues like sectarianism and extremism. He advised youth to discover their innate qualities and urged the nation to concentrate their energies on transforming Pakistan under the vision of its forefathers.
