President Asif Ali Zardari called for the establishment of an egalitarian society on Monday, marking the 149th birth anniversary of national poet Dr. Allama Iqbal. In a message released on the occasion, the president stated that Iqbal envisioned a nation where an individual's worth is not determined by inherited status, wealth, or privilege.
President Zardari noted that Iqbal's poetry provided intellectual direction to the aspirations of the Muslims of the Subcontinent while addressing a broader human struggle for freedom, equality, and self-respect. He stated that the poet challenged exploitation, advocated for the dignity of labor, and sought to awaken the poor. According to the president, Iqbal placed ordinary people at the center of the future, calling for a Pakistan where workers receive fair wages, farmers enjoy the fruits of their labor, and every child can advance regardless of faith, gender, or family circumstances.
The president also referenced Iqbal’s concept of khudi, stating it grows through knowledge, effort, courage, and strength of character. He remarked, "A person conscious of his or her own dignity must also respect the dignity of others. The same principle applies to nations." He argued that national self-respect requires the capacity to make independent decisions and engage with other countries on the basis of equality. Zardari urged the youth to use Iqbal’s poetry to boost the spirit of inquiry and develop critical faculties to transform Pakistan into a developed nation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government is beginning a year-long commemoration of Iqbal’s 149th birth anniversary starting today, which will conclude on November 9 next year. The prime minister stated that a comprehensive program of national and international events is being formally launched, including international conferences, academic seminars, literary festivals, exhibitions, educational competitions, and cultural activities.
The prime minister said these initiatives aim to preserve and transmit Iqbal’s intellectual legacy to future generations. He maintained that Iqbal awakened political consciousness among the Muslims of the subcontinent, helping them recognize and assert a distinct national identity that played a pivotal role in the struggle for an independent homeland.
PM Shehbaz stated the government is committed to ensuring Iqbal's thought remains an integral part of educational institutions, national discourse, and development priorities. He said, "Intellectual awakening, character building and collective renewal must, undoubtedly, form an essential part of our national objectives." He further noted that Iqbal's concept of khudi teaches that individuals and nations can transform their destinies through self-realization, purposeful endeavor, and spiritual emancipation. The prime minister concluded by saying Pakistan will continue to champion unity among the Muslim Ummah and support the peaceful resolution of international disputes guided by Iqbal’s vision.
