150th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal: PM announces launch of year-long celebrations

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced a year-long national and international celebration in honor of Allama Muhammad Iqbal's 150th birth anniversary. The prime minister emphasized the need to integrate Iqbal's philosophy into Pakistan's education system, national discourse, and development priorities. Iqbal Day, commemorating the poet's 149th birth anniversary, began on November 9, 2026, and will conclude on the same date in 2027.

The government plans to organize a series of events, including international conferences, academic seminars, literary festivals, exhibitions, educational competitions, and cultural programs to preserve and promote Iqbal's intellectual legacy. The prime minister praised Iqbal as a great philosopher and poet who awakened political consciousness among Muslims in the Subcontinent, inspiring them to assert their national identity.

Iqbal's philosophy, which explored the deeper intellectual dimensions of Islamic teachings, continues to provide guidance for Muslims in their individual and collective lives. The prime minister highlighted Iqbal's concept of Khudi (selfhood) and the Shaheen (falcon), symbolizing courage, independence, and excellence. Iqbal's philosophy placed peace, social harmony, tolerance, and justice at the heart of sustainable national development, emphasizing the need to reject hatred, extremism, sectarianism, and discrimination.

At the international level, Iqbal's message of Muslim unity, universal brotherhood, and peaceful coexistence remains relevant. The prime minister urged Pakistan to renew its commitment to developing a deeper understanding of Iqbal's philosophy, encouraging academic research, creative thinking, and strengthening national character.