The 143rd birth anniversary of philosopher-poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal is being observed with national fervour to pay tribute to the ‘Poet of the East’.
An investiture ceremony of change of guard was held at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal in Lahore on Monday morning. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy assumed the responsibility of guard from Pakistan Rangers.
Station Commander of Pakistan Navy Commodore Naimatullah Khan laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered prayers. He also penned down his comments in visitors’ book and paid tribute to national poet.
An exhibition of rare books and pictures of Allama Iqbal would be held at Iqbal Manzil. People will visit the graves of parents and other family members of Allama Iqbal at Imam Sahib graveyard Sialkot. They will offer Fateha and lay floral wreaths there.
President Dr Arif Alvi has underscored the need of following Allama Iqbal’s teachings on Islam and his philosophy of ‘Khudi’ that believed in the promotion of self-respect and human dignity, to make Pakistan a prosperous nation.
In a message on the occasion of birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal being celebrated today, the president said, “It is a high time to stand united, set aside our differences and work committedly for the socio-economic uplift of the country.
The prime minister said Allama Iqbal had decided to guide the Muslims of subcontinent with his thoughts and poetry at a time when they were in search of their identity. With his poetry, Iqbal invoked that power with which the Muslims overcame their sense of despondency, guiding them to achieve the impossible, he added.
