Islamabad, November 9,2025: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have urged the people of Pakistan to draw inspiration from Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s teachings to build a united, progressive, and prosperous nation.
Their messages came as the country observed Iqbal Day on Saturday to mark the poet-philosopher’s 147th birth anniversary.
President Zardari said that Allama Iqbal’s philosophy awakened the Muslims of the subcontinent and inspired them to strive for independence and self-rule. He recalled that Iqbal’s historic 1930 address at the All-India Muslim League session laid the foundation for the idea of a separate homeland for Muslims.
He noted that Iqbal’s works, including Asrar-e-Khudi, Rumuz-e-Bekhudi, and Bang-e-Dara, went far beyond poetry, addressing profound themes of identity, faith, and freedom.
“Iqbal’s vision must guide us as we work for a peaceful, progressive, and united Pakistan,” President Zardari said, praying that the nation would remain true to Iqbal’s ideals and continue to draw inspiration from his thoughts for generations to come.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, described Iqbal as “a guiding light who gave hope to a nation living under colonial rule.” He said Iqbal’s message of self-reliance and faith remains deeply relevant to the challenges Pakistan faces today.
The prime minister said the government is committed to promoting education that strengthens both intellect and character in line with Iqbal’s vision, citing initiatives like the Uraan Pakistan programme, which aims to equip the youth with modern skills and employment opportunities.
“Iqbal’s philosophy teaches that faith, knowledge, and action are the three pillars of a strong nation,” Shehbaz said. “Pakistan can overcome division and injustice only by following his message of unity, love, and tolerance.”
The premier added that Iqbal’s ideas were universal in nature and urgently needed in the modern world.
“The world today needs Iqbal’s message more than ever,” he said. “His thoughts can replace hatred with love, sectarianism with brotherhood, and power with justice.”
Meanwhile, a change of guard ceremony was held at Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore to mark the occasion. Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie, Commander Central Punjab of the Pakistan Navy, was the chief guest at the event.
