President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their separate messages on Iqbal Day, underscored the philosopher-poet's concept of Khudi (selfhood) as the foundation of individual and national dignity, rooted in knowledge, self-confidence, courage, hard work, and respect for others.
They urged its translation into national self-reliance, equality, and social justice to realize Iqbal's vision of a strong, developed Pakistan. On Monday, they paid tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his 149th birth anniversary, highlighting his vision of intellectual awakening.
President Zardari stated that Iqbal's poetry awakened people to their dignity, rights, and power to shape their destiny, providing intellectual direction to the aspirations of the Muslims of the Subcontinent while addressing the wider human struggle for freedom and equality. He noted that Iqbal envisioned an egalitarian society where wealth and inherited status would not determine a person's worth.
The President emphasized that this vision requires a Pakistan where workers receive fair wages, farmers benefit from their labor, and every child has equal opportunities for education, regardless of gender or faith. He described Khudi as the development of a confident and responsible self, noting that respect for one's own dignity must be accompanied by respect for others.
At the national level, he said, self-respect requires the ability to make independent decisions and engage with other countries on the basis of equality. The President also recalled the contributions of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to the political empowerment of ordinary people, urging the nation to honor their democratic legacy by strengthening institutions.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government would launch year-long celebrations of Iqbal's 149th birth anniversary, beginning on November 9, 2026, and culminating on November 9, 2027. The program will include international conferences, academic and research seminars, literary festivals, exhibitions, educational competitions, and cultural activities to preserve and promote Iqbal's intellectual legacy.
The government plans to engage youth through these events to ensure that the message of the Poet of the East resonates with the new generation. Officials stated that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will coordinate with provincial governments to ensure nationwide participation in these commemorative activities.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between Iqbal's philosophical teachings and contemporary challenges. By fostering a deeper understanding of his works, the administration hopes to inspire a renewed sense of national purpose and unity among the citizens of Pakistan.