Iqbal's vision can steer country out of crisis: Gilani

JALIL HASSAN AKHTAR

LAHORE: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday said that regarding survival, advancement and improvement, nation even this day seeks guidance from the ideas and vision of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Speaking at a ceremony of President Iqbal Award (National & International), the Prime Minister paid rich tributes to Hakeem-ul-Ummat Dr Muhammad Iqbal saying that affiliation with him has given the nation strength to steer itself out of crises as Iqbal's ideology encompasses all aspects of thinking of our past and future.

Gilani said they were lucky enough to have great leader and philosopher of his esteem adding that Iqbal being an institution and having multidimensional personality had in him flair of poetic resonance and writings that had acquainted us with the essence of life.

He said as the country presently faces multiple challenges, philosophy of Iqbal could guide us to a more stable and dynamic future whereby nation could stand with honour in the comity of nations.

Speaking about faculties of Pak nation, Gilani said they were mature, brave and sensitive playing a positive role under all severities. He dismissed the notion that the nation was facing any real crisis showing the optimism that thoughts of Iqbal are always there to strengthen them.

He said year 2012-13 would be observed as year of national poet and philosopher Dr Muhammad Iqbal. Declaring that fellowship should be initiated in his name, the Prime Minister announced Rs50 million grant for Iqbal Academy on the occasion.

Besides large number of people, Dr Javaid Iqbal, Arif Nizami, Shahzad Qaisar and other notables were also present on the occasion.