A prestigious Change of Guards ceremony was held by Pakistan Navy at Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore on Iqbal Day to commemmorate the 137th birth anniversary of the great philosopher of the 20th century and Pakistan’s national poet who envisioned a separate homeland for the Muslims of British India.
The ceremony commenced at 7:30 am when a contingent of Pakistan Navy clad in ceremonial dresses replaced Pakistan Rangers to assume guard duties at Mazar-e-Iqbal. As the naval and Rangers’ contingents took positions outside the mausloeum, the outgoing and incoming guards were inspected by Navy Station Commander Lahore Commodore SM Shahzad.
Marching to the tune of traditional music, the naval contingent took positions at the four corners of the mausoleum as the Rangers were ceremoniously moved out by their officer-in-charge.
The ceremonial guard mounting was followed by laying of a floral wreath at the mausoleum by Navy station commander on behalf of the naval chief and officers. Later, the station commander offered fateha and recorded his impression in the visitors’ book.
A large number of military, civil officials, school children and citizens were present at the occasion.
IQBAL MANZIL’S RENOVATION ON CARDS:
In a separate development, the federal government has earmarked Rs 13.7 million for the repair and renovation of Iqbal Manzil Sialkot, the birth place of poet, philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Official sources said Sunday that under the programme, special attention would be focused on maintaining originality of Iqbal Manzil and to protect it from further damage. Moreover, a large number of books written on Iqbal by different authors have also been added into the Iqbal Manzil Library.
Similarly, provincial government has also finalised a plan for the repair and renovation of Iqbal Manzil. Under the proposed plan a “Museum” will be established at Iqbal Manzil for displaying different articles belonging to Allama Iqbal and rare books written by various authors on Iqbal.
Meanwhile, literary circles have demanded of the district administration to take steps for the removal of encroachments for widening the road leading to Iqbal Manzil to facilitate the visitors especially diplomats.
