Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced a year-long series of national and international celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The commemorative program is scheduled to begin on November 9, 2026, and conclude on November 9, 2027.
In a message delivered on Iqbal Day, which marks the 149th birth anniversary of the Poet of the East, the prime minister stated that the government is launching a comprehensive series of activities. These include international conferences, academic and research seminars, literary festivals, exhibitions, educational competitions, and cultural programs intended to preserve and promote Iqbal’s intellectual legacy for future generations.
The prime minister described Iqbal as a thinker of exceptional intellectual stature and profound wisdom, noting that his philosophy continues to contribute to the intellectual development of young people. He highlighted Iqbal's role in creating political consciousness among the Muslims of the Subcontinent, which helped them recognize and assert a distinct national identity during their struggle for an independent homeland.
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Iqbal’s philosophy a living part of educational institutions, national thinking, and development policies. He emphasized that character building, intellectual awakening, and collective renewal must remain central national objectives.
The prime minister specifically highlighted Iqbal’s concept of Khudi (selfhood), stating it teaches individuals and nations they can transform their destinies through self-realization, purposeful efforts, and spiritual emancipation. He also referenced Iqbal’s confidence in the youth as architects of the nation’s future, noting that the concept of the Shaheen (falcon) symbolizes courage, independence, and lofty ambitions.
According to the prime minister, Iqbal’s philosophy places peace, social harmony, tolerance, and justice at the heart of sustainable national development while rejecting extremism, sectarianism, hatred, and discrimination. On the international stage, he said Iqbal’s message of Muslim unity and universal brotherhood remains relevant, and Pakistan will continue to promote solidarity among the Muslim Ummah.
The prime minister urged the nation to renew its commitment to a deeper understanding of Iqbal’s philosophy by encouraging rigorous academic research, promoting creative thinking, and strengthening national character.
