Iqbal’s Message of Hope and Unity Resonates Across Pakistan

News Desk 

Islamabad: On the birth anniversary of national poet-philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the nation to draw inspiration from Iqbal’s timeless ideals to build a prosperous, peaceful, and united Pakistan.

In their separate messages, both leaders called for rekindling the spirit of self-reliance, unity, and faith that defined Iqbal’s philosophy — principles they said remain vital for steering the nation toward progress.

President Zardari said the day called for renewing commitment to Iqbal’s principles and ideals for a brighter future.

“As we pay tribute to his remarkable personality, let us draw strength from his life and ideals as we work together to build a prosperous, peaceful, and united Pakistan,” he stated.

The president noted that Iqbal’s vision had awakened the Muslims of the subcontinent, paving the way for an independent homeland.

“Iqbal’s address at the All-India Muslim League session in 1930 laid the foundation for a sovereign nation,” he recalled.

Zardari said Iqbal’s legacy extends far beyond his literary masterpieces such as Asrar-e-Khudi, Rumuz-e-Bekhudi, and Bang-e-Dara, which explore identity, spirituality, and freedom. “His ideas continue to shape Pakistan’s national identity,” he added, praying that Iqbal’s vision continues to guide the nation’s journey of progress.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Allama Iqbal as “a spiritual and intellectual force who lit a candle of light in the darkness of slavery and gave a message of self-reliance to a nation in despair.”

He said that in line with Iqbal’s philosophy, the government was committed to promoting education that not only equips citizens with livelihood skills but also nurtures intellect and character.

“Allama Iqbal taught that faith, knowledge, and action are the pillars upon which a living nation builds itself,” he said.

Shehbaz highlighted government initiatives such as Uraan Pakistan, aimed at providing modern education, skills, and employment opportunities for youth — whom Iqbal regarded as the ‘falcons of the future’ and architects of the nation.

Calling Iqbal’s message more relevant than ever, the prime minister said, “The world today needs Iqbal’s message so that there is brotherhood instead of sectarianism, love instead of hatred, and justice instead of might.”

He emphasized that Pakistan must be guided by Iqbal’s thoughts to become “the Pakistan of Iqbal’s dreams — where knowledge, action, love, tolerance, peace, and justice prevail.”

Meanwhile, a change of guard ceremony was held at the Mausoleum of Allama Iqbal in Lahore to mark the occasion.

Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie, Commander Central Punjab of the Pakistan Navy, was the chief guest. He inspected the contingents of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) and the Pakistan Navy. Following the inspection, the Navy’s contingent assumed ceremonial guard duties, relieving the Rangers contingent.

Rear Admiral Azmie also laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered Fateha to pay homage to the Poet of the East.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader in Sindh Assembly Ali Khurshidi on Sunday said that Iqbal Day teaches the youth to draw guidance from the thoughts of philosopher-poet Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal.

In his message on Iqbal Day, Sunday, he said that Iqbal gave us the message of selfhood, faith, knowledge, and action.

The opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly said, “Today, it is necessary to integrate Iqbal’s thoughts into national and educational policies”.

Khurshidi said that national development was possible through the lofty goals and strong beliefs of the youth.

He further said that Iqbal’s message of unity, unshakable faith, and continuous struggle determined our destination”.

Iqbal’s teachings will remain a guiding light for us always, he added.