ISLAMABAD — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar marked Iqbal Day on Monday by calling on the nation to reaffirm its commitment to building a country that truly reflects Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s vision of a progressive, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan, where justice, equality and the rule of law remain the guiding light.
In a message issued on Iqbal Day, observed annually on 9 November, Dar said the nation gathers with profound respect to honour its National Poet and Philosopher, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and to pay tribute to a vision that laid the ideological foundation of the independent state of Pakistan.
Iqbal Gave Voice to Millions, Dar Says
The deputy prime minister noted that long before the creation of a separate homeland, Iqbal gave words and direction to the unspoken aspirations of millions. Through his historic Allahabad Address of 1930 and his timeless poetry, Dar said, the poet articulated the distinct identity of the Muslims of the subcontinent and envisioned a separate homeland where they could shape their own destiny.
He described Iqbal as the architect who set in motion the movement that eventually led to the creation of Pakistan, providing a homeland where the nation’s values, faith and democratic aspirations could flourish.
Khudi and Self-Reliance as National Pillars
Dar said Iqbal’s concepts of Khudi — selfhood — and self-reliance remain essential pillars of the national journey. In an ever-evolving global environment, he added, the poet’s thought serves as a reminder that a nation’s true strength lies in its moral integrity, intellectual independence and the resilience of its people.
The foreign minister also highlighted Iqbal’s enduring message to the youth, saying it inspires and instils the confidence to aspire higher, innovate and lead with purpose.
Key Points of the Message
- Dar urged the nation to renew its pledge to build a Pakistan rooted in justice, equality and the rule of law.
- He credited Iqbal’s 1930 Allahabad Address with articulating the distinct identity of the subcontinent’s Muslims.
- He described Iqbal as the architect of the movement that led to the creation of Pakistan.
- He said the concepts of Khudi and self-reliance remain pillars of the national journey.
- He called on the youth to draw inspiration from Iqbal’s message to innovate and lead with purpose.
