Nation commemorates Iqbal’s 148th birth anniversary
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• Change of Guard ceremony held at his mausoleum, with Pakistan Navy taking over duties from Pakistan Rangers (Punjab)
• President Zardari, PM Shehbaz renew commitment to Iqbal’s foundational principles
LAHORE: An impressive change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal as the nation celebrated the 148th birth anniversary of the Mufakkir-i-Pakistan, the visionary behind the ideology of an independent Muslim state in the subcontinent.
A smartly attired contingent of Pakistan Navy took over guard duties from Pakistan Rangers (Punjab), says a news release issued by the Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy) on Sunday.
Commander Central Punjab of Pakistan Navy, Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Rear Admiral Azmie laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum on behalf of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, as well as officers, sailors, and civilians of the Pakistan Navy, and offered fateha.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, members of the media, and a large number of the general public.
President, PM messages
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif renewed their commitment to the foundational principles of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, presenting his vision as the essential guide for achieving a flourishing, peaceful, and unified nation.
In separate messages marking the birth anniversary of the national poet, they paid homage to his intellectual legacy and his extraordinary role in awakening the spirit of independence among the Muslims of the Subcontinent.
President Zardari emphasised the lasting impact of Allama Iqbal’s political philosophy, stating that his insistence on distinct representation for Muslims has left an indelible imprint on Pakistan’s national identity.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the contemporary global relevance of Iqbal’s teachings, suggesting that the world today is in need of his message of brotherhood, love, and justice.
He connected these ideals to current policy, noting that the government launched several programmes designed to empower the youth, aligning directly with Allama Iqbal’s vision for the younger generation.
Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2025
