SIALKOT, Nov 9: People from all walks of life on Friday thronged the recently-renovated Iqbal Manzil to mark the 130th birth anniversary of poet-philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Punjab Industries Minister Muhammad Ajmal Cheema, District Nazim Muhammad Akmal Cheema and DCO Atta Muhammad Khan represented the government during a visit to the birthplace of Allama Iqbal at Mohallah Kashmiriyan.

They announced immediate repairs of the remaining portions (in the rear) of Iqbal Manzil on a priority.

An exhibition of rare photographs of Allama Iqbal, members of his family, teachers, the leaders of All-India Muslim League and rare books on ‘Iqbaliyat’ was also held at the venue and was a source of inspiration for the people.

Quran Khwani was held at Iqbal Manzil and the people also visited the graves of Iqbal’s parents and members of his family at the Imam Sahib graveyard. They laid floral wreaths at these graves and offered fateha.

Iqbal Conference was held at the Seerat Study Centre in Cantonment and the Government Murray College hosted speech and Kalaam-i-Iqbal contests.

The speakers highlighted various aspects of Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy.

Also organised was a 60-kilometre cycle race by the Sialkot District Cycling Association. The race started from Iqbal Manzil and ended at Allama Iqbal Chowk.

Several non-government, educational, religious and political organisations arranged walks and other programmes to mark the day.