KARACHI: Students from 11 universities gathered at Mazar-e-Quaid to participate in an “Inter-University Speech Competition” dedicated to the memory of Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, on ‘Iqbal Day’. The event was jointly organized by the Mazar-e-Quaid Management Board (QMMB), National Heritage, and the Pakistan Women Foundation for Peace.
The ceremony, held at the Audio Visual Hall of QMMB, was graced by the presence of Azad Aftab Iqbal, the grandson of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, as the chief guest, with Justice (R) Wajihuddin Ahmed presiding over the event.
Azad Iqbal described Allama Iqbal as a spiritual saint known as Iqbal Lahori in Iran, a philosopher of the East in the Western world, and the ‘Poet of the East’ by Urdu-speaking communities. He praised the speeches delivered by university students in connection with Iqbal Day and referred to Allama’s philosophy as a vast ocean, with the ‘Message of Selfness’ encapsulating its essence.
Azad Aftab recited some of Allama Iqbal’s meaningful poems and stressed that these verses serve as a beacon for the youth. He highlighted the enduring relevance of Iqbal’s poetic thoughts, stating that the feelings and ideas expressed by Iqbal continue to resonate in the lives of individuals and the nation.
Azad Iqbal acknowledged that Allama Iqbal lived ahead of his time and left when he was needed the most. He praised Allama Iqbal as a great thinker who faced opposition on political, religious, and social fronts with resilience.
Azad Iqbal paid his respects to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at his grave, visited the memorial hall of Mazar-e-Quaid, and recorded his thoughts in the visitor’s diary. He also distributed prizes to the winners of the speech competition.
The event was attended by Aleem Sheikh, Resident Engineer of Mazar-e-Quaid Management Board and National Heritage and Cultural Division, and Nargis Rehmani, Chairperson of Pakistan Women Foundation for Peace.
