Iqbal Day: Pakistan celebrates 139th birthday of national poet

LAHORE/SIALKOT - The nation is celebrating the 139th birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal with traditional zeal and fervour at Iqbal Manzil Sialkot (the birthplace of the Poet of East) today, November 9.

The Iqbal Day dawned with special prayers in the mosques for the peace, national integrity, prosperity and development of the country.

No public holiday on Iqbal Day: Interior Ministry

Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal was born on 9 November 1877 in Sialkot, within the Punjab Province of British India (now in Pakistan). He died on 21 April 1938 in Lahore, Punjab, British India.



Pakistan government officially declared him the national poet.

Iqbal Manzil's caretaker Syed Riaz Hussain Naqvi said that the main birthday cake cutting ceremony would be held at the Iqbal Manzil where people from all walks of life will participate.

On Tuesday, a large number of people including the students of different schools and colleges and their teachers visited the Iqbal Manzil where Kalaam-e-Iqbal and speech contests were held.

An art gallery captioned "Iqbal Khatoot Key Aainey Mein" has also been established to display 22 old letters besides, displaying more rare books on Iqbaliyat and pictures of Allama Iqbal, his parents and family member as well.

Mr. Naqvi said that these letters of Allama Iqbal were rare and unrevealed, which had been written by Allama Iqbal to his family members and friends as well. These letters were donated to Iqbal Manzil Sialkot by some close relatives of Allama Iqbal and his fans in Pakistan and even in abroad.

In order to pay tribute to national poet and great philosopher, the main program was held at mausoleums of Allama Iqbal and cadets also presented guard of honour to great poet.

To understand Iqbal’s vision, one should go through his address to Annual Session of All-India Muslim League on Nov 29, 1930 when he first time presented Two-Nation Theory. He had dreamt of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent, and his dream was converted into reality by Quaid-i-Azam who had spearheaded the Pakistan movement.