PESHAWAR, Oct 29: Allama Iqbal taught equality of mankind. He wanted to remove social evil of enslaving others and termed Islamic values the best remedy for it.

This was said by Dr Ashraf Adeel, Vice Chancellor Hazara University, in his presidential address in a literary function arranged by the Pakistan Academy of Letters Peshawar Chapter in connection with the celebrations of Iqbal Year at the Iranian Cultural Centre, Peshawar, on Monday evening.

He said Allama Iqbal was one of our great heroes who was equally popular in Pakistan and abroad owing to his scholastic universal message having all qualities of head and heart. He said Iqbal proved his worth in all fields of life including politics, literature, philosophy, law and social reformation.

He said Iqbal set the direction of enslaved Muslims of sub- continent, gave concept of sovereign Muslim state in the region and thus paved the way for the creation of Pakistan.

Maj Yousaf Raja Chishti, Chief Guest, Dr Salma Shaheen, Prof Manawar Rauf and Syed Wali Khayal Mohmand, Regional Director PAL, read out their detailed papers on this occasion and highlighted various aspects of the person and poetry of the national poet.

They said previous century elaborated poetry of Allama Iqbal while the new century waited implementing his great ideas.

They urged keeping our youth abreast with his teachings was need of the hour to enable them ensure their bright future. Poets and other literatures largely attended the function.