November 9, Iqbal Day, is around the corner; however, the people of Pakistan are confused about whether there will be a public holiday on this day or not.
Iqbal Day used to be observed as a public holiday across the country every year until 2015. However, then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif abolished this public holiday along with several others.
Last year, the then-caretaker and current regular Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif restored Iqbal Day as a public holiday nationwide, but he did not clarify whether this restoration would be permanent or temporary.
In this context, people are uncertain whether Iqbal Day will be a public holiday this year, as it was in 2023. Interestingly, despite discussions and news on social and mainstream media regarding the confusion over the public holiday, the government has remained completely silent on the issue.
Sources say that the Prime Minister has yet to decide about the public holiday on November 9, and that clarity will come on November 7.
Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, Allama Iqbal emerged as a significant figure in the subcontinent, playing a crucial role in the Pakistan movement.
As a modern Sufi poet, Iqbal inspired a revolutionary spirit among the nation through his impactful poetry. His literary works have been translated into various languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and English, establishing him as a notable philosopher on the global stage.
Tragically, Iqbal did not live to see Pakistan’s independence, passing away on April 21, 1938.
