ISLAMABAD, Nov 8: The nation will celebrate on Wednesday the 128th birth anniversary of poet-philosopher Dr Allama Mohammmad Iqbal. Social, cultural, educational and literary organizations have planned different programmes and activities to mark the day and pay tribute to the man who envisioned a separate homeland for the Muslims of India which led to creation of Pakistan.

In their messages on the occasion, President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have asked the nation to follow the message of Allama Iqbal in its true spirit and make Pakistan a modern, progressive, democratic Islamic state.

The Pakistan Academy of Letters is organizing a lecture by Dr Mohammad Khalid Masood, chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology, on Iqbal ka Tasawr-i-Ijtehad aur 21st Saddi.

In Sialkot, a special function will be held at Iqbal Manzil, the birthplace of the great philosopher, to commemorate the occasion.

In Lahore, a ceremony will be held at Mazar-i-Iqbal where change of guard will take place followed by laying of floral wreaths.

The government has declared the day public holiday. Educational institutions will, however, open for some time to hold functions in connection with the day.

National flag will be hoisted at all important public buildings on the day.

Fateha and Quran khwani will be held at mosques and the mazar of Allama Iqbal. A large number of people will also visit his mazar to pay their homage to the poet of the East.—APP