LAHORE (Kashmir English): Pakistan is observing the 149th birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal today (November 9), with tributes being paid to the Poet of the East for his vision, philosophy and contributions to the Muslims of the Subcontinent.
The occasion is being marked with special ceremonies and events across the country, including a dignified changing-of-the-guard ceremony at Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore.
Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, widely known as Shair-e-Mashriq (Poet of the East) and Hakeem-ul-Ummat, played a significant role in awakening political and intellectual consciousness among the Muslims of the Subcontinent through his poetry and philosophy.
Iqbal received his early education in Sialkot before studying at Government College Lahore. He later pursued higher education in Britain and Germany, where he further developed his philosophical and intellectual thought.
His poetry encouraged Muslims to embrace self-belief, determination and unwavering faith. His celebrated works, including Bang-e-Dara, Bal-e-Jibril and Zarb-e-Kaleem, continue to inspire generations, particularly the youth.
President Zardari Pays Tribute to Allama Iqbal
In his message on Iqbal Day, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the national poet, saying his writings empowered the Muslims of the Subcontinent and made them realize their ability to shape their own future.
The President said Iqbal provided intellectual direction to the aspirations of Muslims and conveyed powerful messages of freedom, dignity and self-determination through his poetry.
He added that Iqbal raised his voice against exploitation, encouraged disadvantaged communities to recognize their rights and emphasized the dignity and honour of the working class.
Changing-of-the-Guard Ceremony Held at Iqbal’s Mausoleum
A dignified changing-of-the-guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama 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. He laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered Fateha.
The chief guest also inspected the guard contingents of the Pakistan Rangers and Pakistan Navy.
During the ceremony, a smartly turned-out Pakistan Navy contingent formally assumed responsibility for the honorary guard duties at the mausoleum.
