150th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal: PM announces launch of year-long celebrations

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced the launch of year-long national and international celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, calling for renewed efforts to bring the national poet’s philosophy into Pakistan’s education system, national discourse and development priorities.

In his message on Iqbal Day, being observed on November 9 to commemorate the 149th birth anniversary of the Poet of the East, the prime minister said the commemorative programme would begin on November 9, 2026, and conclude on November 9, 2027.

He said the government was launching a comprehensive series of activities, including international conferences, academic and research seminars, literary festivals, exhibitions, educational competitions and cultural programmes to preserve and promote Iqbal’s intellectual legacy for future generations.

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Paying tribute to Allama Iqbal, Shehbaz Sharif said the great philosopher and poet had awakened political consciousness among the Muslims of the Subcontinent, inspiring them to recognise and assert their distinct national identity, which played a pivotal role in their historic struggle for an independent homeland.

He described Iqbal as a thinker of exceptional intellectual stature and profound wisdom, saying his enduring philosophy continued to expand intellectual horizons and contribute to the intellectual development of young people and future generations.

The prime minister said Iqbal, as a distinguished philosopher of Islam, explored the deeper intellectual dimensions of Islamic teachings, with his ideas continuing to provide meaningful guidance for Muslims in their individual and collective lives.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Iqbal’s philosophy a living part of educational institutions, national thinking and development policies, emphasising that intellectual awakening, character building and collective renewal must remain central national objectives.

Highlighting Iqbal’s concept of Khudi (selfhood), the prime minister said it taught individuals and nations that they could transform their destinies through self-realisation, purposeful efforts and spiritual emancipation.

He also recalled Iqbal’s confidence in the youth, whom the poet regarded as architects of the nation’s future. His concept of the Shaheen (falcon), he said, symbolised courage, independence, lofty ambitions and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Shehbaz Sharif said Iqbal’s philosophy placed peace, social harmony, tolerance and justice at the heart of sustainable national development while rejecting hatred, extremism, sectarianism and discrimination.

At the international level, he said Iqbal’s message of Muslim unity, universal brotherhood and peaceful coexistence remained highly relevant in the contemporary world. Guided by the poet’s intellectual vision, Pakistan would continue to promote unity and solidarity among the Muslim Ummah and support peaceful resolution of international disputes, he added.

The prime minister said Iqbal’s timeless message, encompassing individual, national and universal values, continued to illuminate the nation’s path and serve as a guiding beacon.

He urged the nation to renew its commitment to developing a deeper understanding of Iqbal’s philosophy, encouraging rigorous academic research into his thought, promoting creative thinking and strengthening national character.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026