Iqbal's 140th birth anniversary being observed today

ISLAMABAD: The 140th birth anniversary of national poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal is being observed today (Thursday) with national zeal and spirit.  

Educational, literary, political, social and cultural organizations across the country are arranging special programmes to pay homage to the national poet and conceiver of a separate Muslim homeland idea.

Iqbal Manzil – the birthplace of Allama Iqbal – and Iqbal Chowk in Sialkot have been illuminated by the Sialkot Municipal Corporation with colourful lights and banners.

The day dawned with special prayers in the mosques for the peace, national integrity, prosperity and development.

A graceful change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar e Iqbal (his mausoleum) in Lahore on Thursday morning. A contingent of Pakistan Navy took guards duties from Punjab Rangers.

Station Commander Navy Lahore, Commodore Sajid Mehmood Shahzad was the chief guest on the occasion who laid a floral wreath over the great philosopher poet’s grave and offered Fateha.

In his message on Iqbal Day, President Mamnoon Hussain has urged the nation to utilize their capabilities for achieving the national goals in the light of teachings of Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

He said the summery of Iqbal’s poetry is that brave nations fight with devotion and hardworking to meet the challenges.

The President said the government, in past few years, tried to control the difficulties including the challenge of terrorism with dedication and bravery and achieved unprecedented successes.