LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal had dreamt of a Pakistan that would be a cradle of peace, political forbearance and brotherhood and pledged to achieve his vision by making strenuous efforts.

He said that Allama Iqbal wanted the youth to take the country to the height of progress and development with their constructive approach.

In a message on the observance of the 86th death anniversary of Dr Iqbal, the prime minister said that the entire nation had been praying for the high ranks of the departed soul and paid rich tribute to his contributions.

Dr Iqbal, through his thoughts and teachings, had stressed the unity of Muslims.

He especially focused upon the youth and played an important role in getting them acquainted with the sacrifices of their forefathers, prestige and the forgotten inheritance, the PM Office Media Wing quoted the prime minister as saying in a press release.

The prime minister further said that Dr Iqbal taught the youth to wage consistent struggle and exhorted them to carve paths in the future through gaining knowledge, carrying out research and learning from the past glorious periods of Muslims.

His philosophy of self-hood (khudi) was a beacon of light for all and by emulating his philosophy, the exquisite qualities of mankind could be achieved, the prime minister said.

He added that not only the modern universities in the region but across the globe were also conducting research upon his philosophy and teachings.

The prime minister said that Dr Iqbal’s verses and writings in Persian and Urdu languages had been popular in the world.

His had dreamt of a separate homeland for the Mus­lims of the sub-continent which was realised by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and other leaders of the Muslim League by striving day and night.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2024