The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday stated that the true tribute to Allama Iqbal would be to transform his vision into reality by building a free, sovereign, democratic, prosperous, and justice-oriented Pakistan. In a statement issued by the PTI Central Media Department on the occasion of Allama Iqbal's 149th birth anniversary, the party paid a rich tribute to the Poet of the East, a renowned philosopher and the visionary behind Pakistan, acknowledging his enduring contribution to the intellectual, political, and ideological awakening of the Muslims of the subcontinent.
The PTI noted that through his philosophy, poetry, and visionary ideas, Iqbal instilled in Muslims the spirit of selfhood (Khudi), freedom, dignity, and political consciousness. "His vision of Pakistan was rooted in the concept of an independent, sovereign, and dignified state where every citizen would enjoy equal rights, justice, freedom, and respect," the statement read, adding that Iqbal's philosophy was not merely confined to poetry or commemorative ceremonies but represented a living ideology and a call for practical struggle.
According to Iqbal's teachings, national progress depends on knowledge, character, self-confidence, collective awareness, and intellectual freedom. Referring to the political, economic, and constitutional challenges facing Pakistan, the PTI stressed that overcoming the country's crises required embracing Iqbal's vision by ensuring national dignity, the rule of law, democratic values, and the sovereignty of the people.
The statement highlighted that Iqbal regarded young people as the nation's greatest asset and the architects of its future. His concept of the 'Shaheen' (falcon) symbolises high aspirations, courage, self-confidence, and the determination to stand firm without bowing before oppression.
The PTI asserted that young people must be provided with opportunities in education, research, innovation, and nation-building, rather than being left to struggle in an environment of fear, despair, and injustice.