SIALKOT, Nov 9: The 128th birth anniversary of poet-philosopher Dr Muhammad Iqbal was observed in his native city here on Wednesday. The day dawned with the special prayers and Quran Khwani in almost all the mosques in the district.

The Sialkot TMA took out a public rally in the city led by nazim Imtiazuddin Dar. It started from the historical Sialkot Fort and ended at the Allama Iqbal Chowk. The TMA also illuminated the Iqbal Manzil and Allama Iqbal Chowk.

A large number of the people from all walks of life visited the Iqbal Manzil, the birth place of Allama Iqbal, and the graves of the parents and other family members of the poet in Imam Sahib Graveyard. They laid floral wreaths on the graves and offered Fateha.

A special function was held at the Iqbal Manzil to commemorate the occasion. Addressing the participants Punjab Minister for Industries Ajmal Cheema, Sialkot district and tehsil nazim paid rich tributes to Iqbal. They urged the people to follow his message and make Pakistan a modern, progressive and democratic state.