President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called for greater equality, national unity and social justice on Iqbal Day. Their messages highlighted Allama Iqbal’s vision of a society built on dignity, equal opportunities and collective progress.
The leaders marked the national poet’s 149th birth anniversary on Monday, November 9. Meanwhile, the government announced a year-long programme to celebrate Iqbal’s intellectual and literary contributions.
President Zardari Calls for Equality and Social Justice
In his Iqbal Day message, President Zardari stressed the importance of treating all citizens equally. He said Iqbal imagined a society where wealth, privilege and family background would not determine anyone’s opportunities.
According to the president, Iqbal’s poetry awakened people to their dignity, rights and ability to shape their future.
“Iqbal gave intellectual direction to the aspirations of the Muslims of the Subcontinent. His poetry also spoke to a wider human struggle: the pursuit of freedom, equality and a life of self-respect,” he said.
Zardari added that Iqbal challenged exploitation, encouraged the poor to rise and defended the dignity of labour.
He also highlighted the national poet’s vision of an egalitarian society. Under this vision, workers should receive fair wages, while farmers should benefit from their labour.
Furthermore, every child should have opportunities to learn and progress, regardless of family circumstances, gender or faith.
Iqbal’s Concept of Khudi Remains Central to National Development
President Zardari also highlighted Iqbal’s philosophy of khudi, which emphasises selfhood and personal dignity.
He explained that knowledge, hard work, courage and strong character help individuals develop this quality.
“A person conscious of his or her own dignity must also respect the dignity of others. The same principle applies to nations.
“National self-respect demands the capacity to make independent decisions, develop the country’s own strengths and engage with other countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect.”
The president urged young people to draw inspiration from Iqbal’s poetry. He encouraged them to strengthen their curiosity, develop critical thinking and contribute to national progress.
Moreover, he stressed the need to turn equality into practical justice and transform Pakistan into a developed, stronger nation.
PM Shehbaz Announces Year-Long Iqbal Day Celebrations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government would begin a year-long commemoration of Allama Iqbal’s 149th birth anniversary on Monday.
The programme will continue until November 9, 2027, featuring national and international activities.
“A comprehensive programme of national and international events is being formally launched, featuring international conferences, academic and research seminars, literary festivals, exhibitions, educational competitions and cultural activities. These commemorative initiatives aim to preserve and transmit Iqbal’s rich intellectual legacy to future generations,” he added.
The prime minister said Iqbal played a significant role in awakening political awareness among Muslims of the subcontinent.
He explained that the poet encouraged Muslims to recognise their distinct national identity. This growing awareness contributed to their historic struggle for an independent homeland.
Government Wants Iqbal’s Philosophy Reflected in Education
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to keeping Iqbal’s ideas relevant within educational institutions and national discussions.
He also stressed the importance of incorporating the poet’s philosophy into Pakistan’s development priorities.
“Intellectual awakening, character building and collective renewal must, undoubtedly, form an essential part of our national objectives.
“Allama Iqbal’s concept of khudi (selfhood) teaches us that individuals and nations can transform their destinies through self-realisation, purposeful endeavour and spiritual emancipation.”
The prime minister further said Pakistan would continue supporting unity and solidarity among the Muslim Ummah.
Guided by Iqbal’s intellectual vision, the country would also support peaceful solutions to international disputes, he added.
PM Calls for Renewed Focus on Iqbal’s Intellectual Legacy
Concluding his message, Shehbaz urged the nation to deepen its understanding of Iqbal’s philosophy and contributions.
He called for stronger academic research into the poet’s ideas, alongside greater encouragement for creative thinking and intellectual development.
The prime minister also emphasised strengthening national character through education and collective responsibility.
As the year-long celebrations begin, the government aims to introduce Iqbal’s literary and intellectual legacy to future generations through educational, cultural and academic activities.
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