November 10, 2008	Monday	Ziqa'ad 11, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Nov 9: The nation observed on Sunday the 131st birth anniversary of Dr Allama Muhammmad Iqbal, the Poet of the East, and paid rich tribute to his contributions for the awakening of the Muslims of the subcontinent.

Social, cultural, educational and literary organisations organised seminars and other programmes to mark the Iqbal Day.

Speakers at the seminars said that Iqbal’s writings aroused a sense of self-respect, self-realisation and determination among the Muslims.

The print media published special editions while the electronic media broadcast programmes to highlight the poet’s life and works.

In a message on the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari stressed the need for imbibing Allama Iqbal’s teachings and moving forward to steer the nation out of the present crisis.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said: “Today, more than ever before, there is a need for us and the people of the West to learn from the teachings of Iqbal who advocated the foundation of a new world by wedding intellect with love.”

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan and Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza also issued messages to highlight Allama Iqbal’s achievements.

Allama Iqbal’s birth anniversary was also observed with enthusiasm in the Northern Areas and Azad Kashmir.

Functions were held in Skardu and Ghangche districts where speakers highlighted Allama Iqbal’s poetry and teachings.

—APP