Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq paid a heartfelt tribute to the philosopher and thinker Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his 149th birth anniversary on November 8. Sadiq stated that Iqbal’s intellectual legacy and poetry awakened the Muslims of the subcontinent to values including freedom, unity, national consciousness, and self-respect.
Sadiq described Iqbal as a visionary thinker whose ideas influenced the political and intellectual awakening of the subcontinent's Muslims. He noted that Iqbal’s historic Allahabad Address provided an intellectual foundation for the struggle that resulted in the creation of Pakistan. According to Sadiq, Iqbal envisioned a society based on moral responsibility, dignity, equality, and justice where people could develop their spiritual and moral potential.
The Speaker highlighted the philosophy of Khudi (selfhood) as one of Iqbal’s most enduring messages. He clarified that Khudi was not a call for isolated individualism, but rather an appeal to develop courage, discipline, self-confidence, and character based on high moral values. Sadiq said this message is especially relevant for the youth, urging them to integrate research, innovation, hard work, and education into their lives to contribute to national development.
Sadiq further stated that Pakistan’s progress depends on a collective commitment to the rule of law, constitutionalism, social justice, tolerance, and democratic values. He reaffirmed that Parliament would continue its constitutional role in promoting public welfare and the ideals of the country’s founding fathers. He argued that remembering Iqbal should go beyond ceremonies and be reflected in public conduct and individual character.
Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah also paid a rich tribute to Iqbal, identifying him as one of the most distinguished literary and philosophical figures in the subcontinent's history. Mustafa Shah said Iqbal’s poetry instilled a sense of purpose and dignity among Muslims, encouraging them to overcome moral stagnation.
Mustafa Shah emphasized that Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi, along with his focus on knowledge and collective responsibility, is significant for the contemporary era. He urged the younger generation to use Iqbal’s work as a source of guidance for personal growth and national service. He stated that the future of Pakistan depends on a youth equipped with integrity, creativity, and knowledge. The Deputy Speaker concluded that the true tribute to Iqbal is to uphold values of faith, justice, and democratic responsibility to develop the country.
