Pakistan Celebrates 149th Birth Anniversary of Allama Iqbal

SIALKOT: (Staff Reporter) – Pakistan is observing the 149th birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, widely revered as Shair-e-Mashriq (Poet of the East) and Hakim-ul-Ummat (Sage of the Ummah), whose poetry and philosophy inspired Muslims of the Subcontinent and laid the intellectual foundation for the creation of Pakistan.

Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, Allama Iqbal received his early education in his hometown before studying at Government College Lahore and pursuing higher education in Britain and Germany.

Through his powerful poetry and philosophical writings, Iqbal awakened a sense of political and national consciousness among Muslims and encouraged them to pursue self-realisation, dignity and independence. His message of unwavering faith, self-respect and determination continues to inspire people across the world.

His celebrated poetic collections, including Bang-e-Dara, Bal-e-Jibril and Zarb-e-Kaleem, remain particularly influential among younger generations, carrying messages of hope, courage and intellectual awakening.

On this occasion, admirers and visitors gathered at his mausoleum in Lahore to pay tribute to the national poet and remember his lasting contributions to the Muslim world and Pakistan.

President Zardari Pays Tribute to Allama Iqbal

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his birth anniversary, highlighting his influential role in shaping the political consciousness of Muslims in the Subcontinent.

In his message on Iqbal Day, the president said Iqbal’s poetry empowered Muslims to recognise their potential and their right to determine their own future.

He noted that the philosopher-poet provided intellectual direction to the aspirations of Muslims, inspiring them to struggle for freedom, dignity and an honourable place in society.

President Zardari further observed that Iqbal’s poetry challenged exploitation, raised awareness among disadvantaged communities about their rights and emphasised the dignity and respect of the working class.

Changing of the Guard Ceremony Held at Iqbal’s Mausoleum

A solemn changing of the guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore to mark his 149th birth anniversary.

Commodore Misbah-ul-Amin, Station Commander of the Pakistan Navy in Lahore, attended the ceremony as the chief guest and laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum before offering Fateha.

He also inspected the ceremonial guard contingents comprising personnel from the Pakistan Rangers and Pakistan Navy.

Following the ceremony, a smartly turned-out Pakistan Navy contingent formally assumed responsibility for ceremonial guard duties at the mausoleum.