Lahore (Web Desk): Lahore (Web Desk): The 147th birth anniversary of national poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal is being observed today (Saturday) with national zeal and fervour.
The philosopher poet, known as Poet of the East, Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal was born in Sialkot on November 9,1877 and died in Lahore on April 21, 1938.
He awakened the Muslims of the Subcontinent through his universal poetry and political acumen by presenting idea of the creation of Pakistan through his historic address at Allahabad in 1930.
Allama Iqbal’s address gave a clear direction and separate identity to Muslims of the Sub-Continent to achieve Pakistan.
The great Muslim philosopher is also considered one of the most important figures in literature with literary works in both Urdu and Persian languages.
His famous collections of poetry include Asrar-e-Khudi, Payam- e-Mashriq, Bang-e-Dara, Bal-e-Jibril, Zarbei-Kalim and Armughan-e-Hijaz.
Radio Pakistan and TV channels are presenting special programmes in connection with ‘Iqbal Day’ to highlight poetry and thoughts of Allama Iqbal.
Various literary, educational, political, social and cultural organisations arranged special programmes to pay homage to the national poet and highlight different aspects of his life and teachings.
Meanwhile, a change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore.
A contingent from the Pakistan Navy assumed responsibility for the guard of honour at the national poet's tomb.
Following the ceremony, wreaths were laid by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, along with senior Navy officers, sailors, and civilian personnel.
Acting President Gillani, PM Shehbaz honour Allama Iqbal on his birth anniversary
Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid heartfelt tribute to national poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his 147th birth anniversary.
In his message, Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani said Allama Iqbal's work united the Muslims of the Subcontinent and his thoughts and speeches motivated them to wage a struggle to achieve a separate country for them.
He said the message of Dr Allama Iqbal emphasized Islamic values, advocating for spiritual and cultural revival, which has shaped Pakistan's identity while his vision continues to resonate with youth, guiding and educating them to uphold Pakistan's values and strive for progress.
In his message, PM Shehbaz Sharif said Iqbal's philosophy ignited the dream of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent, leading to the creation of Pakistan.
He said the teachings of Allama Muhammad Iqbal on self-reliance, self-awareness and unity remain a source of inspiration for us to strive for progress and prosperity as a nation.
The premier urged the youth to rise above mediocrity and achieve greatness through unwavering faith and hard work.
PM Shehbaz expressed commitment to imbibing the vision of Allama Iqbal of building a nation that reflects his ideals of justice, equality, and excellence.
