International Breaking News

LAHORE: The 135th birth anniversary of the Poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, is being observed today with traditional reverence, Geo News reported.

There is a public holiday in the country and the day began with the change of guards ceremony at the tomb of Allama Iqbal. Thereafter, Pakistan Navy contingent took positions outside the Iqbal tomb replacing Pakistan Rangers.


Pakistan Navy Station Commander, Akbat Naqi and Lahore DCO Nurul Amin Mengal inspected the march past of both the contingents of guards, laid wreaths on the tomb and offered fateha. Other high officials and citizens of the city alos attended this ceremony.

National flag are hoisted on all major government buildings. TV channels airing special programmes dedicated to the life and achievements of the national poet. Social, literary and educational institutions have planned to organise various programmes to highlight the poetic, literary, educational, social and political contribution of the thinker who aroused revolutionary spirit in the nation through his poetry.

Ceremonies are being held in schools, colleges and universities, highlighting various aspects of the life and achievements of Iqbal. An exhibition of the personal belongings and letters of Allama Iqbal has been arranged at the National Museum of Pakistan in Karachi. Born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877, Iqbal, a great legislature of subcontinent and important personality of Pakistan movement had given the message of hope, self-respect and education. The world renowned poet and philosopher, Allama Iqbal is also distinguished for the fact that his poetry has been translated in many languages including Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, English and Hindi. Iqbal’s message had inspired Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and gave a fillip to struggle for the creation of Pakistan.