ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has paid heartfelt tribute to the Poet of the East, philosopher and thinker Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his 149th birth anniversary, saying that Iqbal’s poetry, philosophy and intellectual legacy awakened the Muslims of the subcontinent to the values of self-respect, freedom, unity and national consciousness.
The Speaker said that Allama Iqbal was not merely a great poet but a visionary thinker whose ideas profoundly influenced the intellectual and political awakening of the Muslims of the subcontinent. He said Iqbal’s historic Allahabad Address articulated a political vision that became an important intellectual foundation for the struggle that ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Iqbal envisioned a society rooted in justice, dignity, equality and moral responsibility, where individuals could develop their intellectual, spiritual and moral potential.
He said the essence of Iqbal’s message was the development of a confident, responsible and enlightened individual capable of contributing to the progress and prosperity of society.
The Speaker said that the philosophy of Khudi (selfhood) remains one of Iqbal’s most powerful and enduring messages. He observed that Iqbal’s concept of Khudi was not a call for individualism in isolation, but an appeal to develop character, self-confidence, discipline, courage and a strong sense of purpose in accordance with high moral values.
He said that Iqbal’s message was particularly relevant for the youth, who represent the future of Pakistan. He urged young Pakistanis to make knowledge, education, research, innovation, hard work and character-building integral parts of their lives and to transform their abilities into constructive contributions towards national development.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Pakistan’s progress requires a collective commitment to democratic values, constitutionalism, rule of law, tolerance, social justice and national unity. He reaffirmed that Parliament would continue to play its constitutional role in strengthening democracy, promoting public welfare and advancing the ideals of a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Pakistan in accordance with the vision of the country’s founding fathers.
The Speaker said that remembering Allama Iqbal should not be confined to ceremonies and commemorations; rather, his teachings should be translated into action and reflected in individual character, public conduct and national life. He called upon all segments of society to draw inspiration from Iqbal’s message and work collectively for a stronger, more united and prosperous Pakistan.
Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah also paid rich tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his birth anniversary, describing him as one of the most distinguished intellectual, philosophical and literary figures in the history of the subcontinent.
The Deputy Speaker said that Allama Iqbal’s poetry instilled among the Muslims of the subcontinent a renewed sense of self-respect, confidence, dignity and purpose. Through his powerful message, Iqbal encouraged individuals and nations to recognise their potential, overcome intellectual and moral stagnation and strive for a better future.
Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said that Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi, combined with his emphasis on knowledge, character, courage and collective responsibility, holds particular significance for the younger generation in the contemporary era.
He urged the youth to study Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy not merely as part of their literary heritage but as a source of guidance for personal development, intellectual growth and national service. He said that Pakistan’s future depended on a young generation equipped with knowledge, integrity, creativity and a strong sense of responsibility towards the country.
The Deputy Speaker emphasised that the true tribute to Allama Iqbal would be to uphold the values of unity, faith, discipline, justice, tolerance and democratic responsibility and to contribute sincerely to the development and prosperity of Pakistan.
Both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker stressed that Allama Iqbal’s message transcends the boundaries of time and continues to offer guidance in addressing the intellectual, moral and social challenges confronting the nation. They called for renewed commitment to building a peaceful, democratic, inclusive and prosperous Pakistan inspired by the ideals of its great thinkers and leaders.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026