Zardari, Shehbaz urge national unity, equality on Iqbal Day

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called for greater equality, national unity and collective progress on the 149th birth anniversary of national poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal, urging Pakistanis to turn his vision into practical action.

In their separate messages issued on Monday, the country’s top leaders highlighted Iqbal’s contribution to Muslim political consciousness, his vision of an equal society and his enduring message of self-respect, knowledge and national strength.

President Zardari said Iqbal envisioned a society in which wealth, privilege and family background would not determine a person’s worth or opportunities. He stressed that every citizen should enjoy equal rights and opportunities, regardless of gender, religion or social circumstances.

Recalling the influence of Iqbal’s poetry, the president said it awakened people to their dignity, rights and ability to shape their own future. He added that the poet challenged exploitation, highlighted the struggles of the poor and upheld the dignity of labour.

Zardari said Iqbal’s vision of an egalitarian Pakistan required practical steps to ensure fair wages for workers, protection for farmers and equal educational opportunities for every child.

Emphasising Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi (selfhood), he said individuals could strengthen themselves through knowledge, hard work, courage and strong character. He also urged young people to draw inspiration from Iqbal’s poetry, develop critical thinking and contribute to building a prosperous and developed Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, announced that the government would formally launch a year-long commemoration of Iqbal’s 149th birth anniversary, beginning on November 9, 2026, and concluding on November 9, 2027.

He said a comprehensive programme of national and international activities would be organised, including international conferences, academic seminars, research events, literary festivals, exhibitions, educational competitions and cultural programmes.

The prime minister said Iqbal played a historic role in awakening political awareness among Muslims of the Subcontinent and inspiring them to recognise their distinct national identity, which ultimately contributed to the struggle for an independent homeland.

Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Iqbal’s philosophy an integral part of educational institutions, national discussions and development policies.

He said intellectual awakening, character building and collective renewal should remain central to Pakistan’s national priorities.

Highlighting Iqbal’s message of Muslim solidarity, the prime minister said Pakistan would continue to promote unity among the Muslim Ummah and support peaceful solutions to international disputes.

Both leaders urged the nation, particularly young people, to rediscover Iqbal’s teachings and translate his ideals of equality, self-respect, unity and progress into meaningful action.