ISLAMABAD , Nov 09 (NNI): Glowing tributes were paid to the national poet-philosopher, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, for awakening the Muslims of the subcontinent to seek a separate homeland through his inspired poetry and political insight, on his 147th birth anniversary, observed with great admiration and reverence at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Saturday. Speakers were unanimous that Iqbal’s vision for a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent was a driving force behind Pakistan’s creation and that his poetry, infused with spiritual and philosophical themes, continues to inspire generations.
Senior leader PML (N) and senior member of the Board of Governors, Idara-e-Nazria Pakistan, Raja Mohammad Zafar ul Haq, said that Allama Muhammad Iqbal remains an enduring symbol of Muslim empowerment and human equality. He was the strongest and most resonant voice against the economic and political exploitation of the weak by the powerful. He added that his legacy continues to inspire generations, and his work remains a testament to his intellectual brilliance and poetic mastery.
Raja Zafar ul Haq went on to say that Allama Iqbal equally enjoys respect and honor worldwide for his insights. He suggested that an institution should be established in the name of Allama Muhammad Iqbal with the core objective of contributing to the betterment of the world.
Member of the Board of Governors, Idara-e-Nazria-e-Pakistan, Barrister Waleed Iqbal, in his address, highlighted the characteristics of his grandfather as a husband, father, son, friend, and, most importantly, as a human being, in the most impressive way.
President of the Ex-Servicemen Society Pakistan and member of the Board of Governors, Idara-e-Nazria-e-Pakistan, Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum, said that Muslims were deprived of all kinds of rights and liberties in that era of discrimination and oppression. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal carried forward the mission of Hazrat Mujaddid Alif Sani and the great educationist Sir Syed Ahmad Khan for the socio-economic and educational emancipation of the Muslims.
He said that the country is passing through the most crucial times; therefore, it is incumbent upon every Pakistani, especially the youth, to stay united and not fall prey to enemies’ propaganda against the armed forces, which are offering sacrifices for the cause of the country.
Vice Chairman of Idara-e-Nazria-e-Pakistan, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, underlined the need to continue the mission of spreading awareness among the people and especially the youth about the ideology of Pakistan. There was a need to inform the youth about the sacrifices rendered by our elders for the creation of Pakistan, he urged upon the gathering. He also stressed the need to build Pakistan according to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
He also showcased Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s commitment to the Palestinian cause by stressing that the incumbent leadership has to change its mindset towards our neighboring countries, especially Iran, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, by opening borders and starting trade and businesses for the country’s prosperity. He also demanded setting free all political prisoners and moving forward with unity to overcome the current challenges facing the country.
Member of the Board of Governors, Idara-e-Nazria-e-Pakistan and Secretary General of the United Business Group, Zafar Bakhtawari, said that Iqbal Day reminds us that if we wish to progress in social, economic, and academic fields, we must integrate Iqbal’s thought into our lives. Pakistan’s development and stability lie in Iqbal’s ideas, adding that we can only become a strong and stable nation if we embrace his message.
He said that the country is heading towards economic and political stability, and soon it will succeed in coming out of the existing economic mess; although we must also overcome the challenge of terrorism by building unity in our ranks and extending full support to our armed forces.
Senior Vice President Abdur Rehman Siddiqui and Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, in their welcome note and vote of thanks, respectively, underlined the need to make a pledge to build Pakistan as envisioned by Allama Iqbal for our upcoming generations.
The event was attended by ICCI Executives, Members, business community members, and students in great numbers. NNI
