PESHAWAR: Programmes were held in different cities to mark Iqbal Day on Monday, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi urged youth to turn the national poet’s vision of selfhood and dignity into reality for Pakistan’s progress.

“Allama Mohammad Iqbal gave the nation a great vision and a clear intellectual direction, and it is now the responsibility of the people, particularly the youth, to transform that vision into reality,” Mr Kundi said, while addressing an Iqbal Day ceremony as the chief guest at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, according to a statement issued by Governor House.

He said that Allama Iqbal was not merely a poet but a great philosopher and a visionary who had awakened among Muslims the spirit of selfhood, dignity, intellectual freedom and a distinct national identity.

Adviser to the governor on education Dr Amir Abdullah, adviser on sports and youth affairs Sarfraz Ali, secretary higher education Abidullah Kakakhel, Vice-Chancellor Prof Anila Anwar, faculty members and students attended the ceremony.

Mr Kundi said that Iqbal’s message centred on knowledge, character, self-confidence and recognising one’s true potential, adding that Iqbal had immense faith in the younger generation and regarded them as the driving force behind national development and positive change.

He said that the daughters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possessed immense talent and potential to excel in every field, and that providing them with quality education, opportunities and institutional support was a collective responsibility.

He said that educated women could play a vital role in the development and leadership of both the province and the country, emphasising that educating one woman was an investment in the progress of an entire family and society.

Urging students to believe in their abilities, the governor advised them not to fear asking questions or embracing new ideas, and to treat failures as stepping stones towards success.

In Lakki Marwat, various events were held to pay homage to the national poet and philosopher on his birth anniversary.

Under the good governance initiative, the district administration, with the support of the district education office and the Boy Scouts Association, held various events to pay tribute to the national poet.

Additional deputy commissioner (general) Habibullah Wazir was the chief guest at a ceremony held at Government Shaheed Mohammad Ghassan Khan Centennial Model High School No. 1.

Students presented tableaux and recited the poetry of Allama Iqbal. They also sang patriotic songs and shed light on the life of the great thinker.

In Mohmand district, a special ceremony was held at the Jirga Hall in Ghalanai to mark Iqbal Day.

The event was attended by students, tribal elders, religious scholars, government officials and people from different walks of life.

Students in their speeches highlighted Iqbal’s poetry, philosophy of Khudi (selfhood), concept of the Shaheen (falcon) and his message of knowledge, hard work and determination for the younger generation.

Similar ceremonies were also held at various public and private educational institutions across the district, where students and teachers paid tribute to the national poet.

The participants pledged to promote Iqbal’s philosophy and encourage educational and literary activities to inspire the younger generation.

In Charsadda district, educational institutions organised various programmes to mark Iqbal Day.

Students delivered speeches, sang national songs and recited Iqbal’s poetry.

Speakers said that Allama Iqbal had awakened a sense of self-respect, self-reliance, intellectual freedom, unity and national identity among Muslims through his poetry and philosophy. They said his message continued to serve as a guiding light for the younger generation.

They stressed the need to promote Iqbal’s philosophy among students and translate his teachings into practical action for the progress and prosperity of the country.

The speakers said Allama Iqbal had described young people as Shaheens (falcons), urging them to demonstrate courage, self-confidence, hard work and perseverance in pursuit of their goals.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2026