Nation celebrates Iqbal Day with great enthusiasm

President, PM call for a renewed pledge to follow philosophy and message of Iqbal

The 137th birth anniversary of philosopher poet and the conceiver of idea of Pakistan, Allama Doctor Muhammad Iqbal was observed with great enthusiasm on Sunday.

In their separate messages to the nation on Iqbal day, the president and prime minister called for a renewed pledge to follow the philosophy and message of Iqbal.

To pay homage to the poetry and highlight concept of establishment of Pakistan given by the greatest poet an international conference presided by Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar also  held in Lahore.

Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid speaking as chief guest said Iqbal’s poetry gives message of love, brotherhood and sincerity. He remarked that no human being has the right to kill his fellow.

He said no one can accept destruction, riot and chaos as code of ethics. He stressed the need for conveying Iqbal’s philosophy of life and message to the new generation.

The Conference was organised by the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage in collaboration with the Iran-based cultural institute of Economic Cooperation Organization.

The ambassadors and scholars from the member states of the ECO inluding Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and North Cyprus as an Observer are also attended the conference to pay tribute to the philosopher poet.

In connection with birth anniversary, a change of guard ceremony was held at the Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore in the morning. On this occasion, a 14- member smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Navy took over the guard duties from Rangers.

Navy’s Station Commander, Commodore Sajid Mahmood Shahzad laid a wreath at the mazar on behalf of the Naval Chief. Director General Punjab Rangers, Major General Khan Tahir Javed Khan also laid wreath at the Mazar.