Veterans from different walks of lives explored different horizons of Iqbal’s philosophy in a seminar held at Aiwan-e-Iqbal in connection with death anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
From Iqbal’s pluralism to his religiosity, all was discussed in a healthy debate between intellectuals of conservative and liberal school of thoughts.
Senator Aitzaz Ahsan, President Markazia Majlis Iqbal Afzal Hayat, Aiwan-e-Iqbal Chairman Arif Nizami, veteran journalist Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami, columnist Orya Maqbool Jan and Iqbaliat scholars paid tribute to the vision of Iqbal.
Aitzaz Ahsan said the thought behind all works of Iqbal was of pluralism and tolerance and he should not be constrained into boundaries of religion or state. He said need of the time was to understand Iqbal’s philosophy rightly and follow it. He said the eagles of Iqbal should come up with innovations instead of following outdated ideals. He was of the opinion that mosques and seminaries should focus on modern education as well. “We have limited Iqbal to our own priorities and his thoughts were being used to silence the opponents,” he opined.
Arif Nizami, speaking at the occasion, said a few people had hijacked Iqbal. Pointing to his co-speakers, he said they were the true followers of Iqbal. He said some leaders always talk of Iqbal’s thoughts but seldom follow his message.
Shami was of the opinion that Iqbal and Jinnah had never wanted to make Pakistan a secular state. Quoting from Iqbal’s oath-taking speech in Legislative Assemble of British India, he said Iqbal preferred national interest over personal gains but current rulers had been plundering without any fear.
Orya Maqbool Jan said Jinnah had constituted a committee for purpose of designing a system of Islamic Welfare State but bureaucracy never let such committees work freely. Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi of Minhaj ul Quran International, analyst Sajjad Mir, and Iqbaliat Scholar Zahoor Ahmad Zahoor also spoke on the occasion.
