ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched a powerful new national song aimed at rekindling the spirit of self-belief and ambition among its youth, as Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal unveiled “Tu Shaheen Hai” under the transformative URAAN Pakistan vision.
My dear young Pakistanis,
As we celebrate the 79th Independence Day of our beloved homeland, I am delighted to launch this inspirational song dedicated to the youth of Pakistan—the architects of our nation’s future.
Inspired by the timeless philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal,… pic.twitter.com/Jz9Dgvwm8L— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) August 3, 2026
The anthem, released ahead of Independence Day celebrations, draws inspiration from Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s timeless philosophy of Khudi (selfhood) and the symbolic Shaheen, the soaring eagle representing courage, self-reliance and unwavering determination.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad, organised to commemorate the birth anniversaries of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and national poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the minister delivered a stirring call to the nation, urging young Pakistanis to become agents of change through knowledge, innovation and character.
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True development measured by human resources, not infrastructure
In a profound address that challenged conventional notions of progress, Professor Ahsan Iqbal declared that genuine development should not be measured by skyscrapers, roads or vehicles, but by the quality of a nation’s human resources.
The minister candidly acknowledged Pakistan’s historical neglect of investments in health, education and population welfare, which he said had resulted in poor social indicators compared with many countries. Under the URAAN Pakistan vision, however, these critical sectors have been elevated to the forefront of the national development agenda.
Iqbal emphasised that Independence Day should not be merely a historical commemoration but a call to action, inspiring the nation to strive for excellence in knowledge, character and national dignity.
“تو شاہیں ہے…” ایک ترانہ ہے جو آپ نے سنا۔ اب سنیے یہ خطاب جو اُس فکر کی تشریح ہے۔
وفاقی وزیر پروفیسر احسن اقبال نوجوانوں کو علامہ اقبالؒ کے تصورِ شاہین کی روشنی میں خودی، کردار، جدت، تحقیق، اصلاحات اور قومی تعمیر کے سفر میں اپنا کردار ادا کرنے کی دعوت دیتے ہیں۔ یہ خطاب اڑان… pic.twitter.com/ZQYTejt19x
— M/o Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (@PlanComPakistan) August 3, 2026
He described Allama Iqbal as the visionary thinker who provided Pakistan with a complete philosophy of life, teaching that nations are built on character, vision and self-belief, not geography or natural resources.
“Allama Iqbal’s concept of Shaheen teaches us courage, self-confidence, freedom, perseverance and continuous progress,” the minister said. “This national song seeks to reconnect the younger generation with these timeless ideals.”
The minister urged young Pakistanis to become problem-solvers rather than critics, contributing positively through innovation, skills and hard work. “True greatness comes from those who build, not those who break,” he asserted.
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The minister highlighted Pakistan’s remarkable resilience in overcoming economic challenges, inflationary pressures, political instability and the aftermath of the 2022 floods. He noted that inflation and interest rates had declined, investor confidence had improved, the stock market had strengthened and the country’s digital economy was expanding.
He attributed this recovery to difficult decisions taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing confidence that the nation was on the right track.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal called upon young people to lead Pakistan’s progress by excelling in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, robotics and space sciences.
یومِ آزادی کی 79 ویں سالگرہ اور بانیٔ پاکستان قائدِ اعظم محمد علی جناحؒ کے 150ویں یومِ پیدائش کی تاریخی مناسبت سے پیش کیا جانے والا یہ قومی نغمہ محض ایک گیت نہیں، بلکہ ایک بیدار قوم کی دھڑکن اور فکری تحریک کا آغاز ہے۔
یہ وقت مایوسی یا نظام کے انہدام کا نہیں، بلکہ قومی اصلاحات… pic.twitter.com/JgVtdsppj4
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) August 3, 2026
Art as instrument of national transformation
Congratulating the team behind the national song, the minister said art was not merely entertainment but a powerful instrument for shaping the thinking of nations.
He expressed confidence that presenting Iqbal’s message through music would inspire millions of young Pakistanis to adopt the values of self-confidence, integrity, patriotism and public service.
The newly launched “Tu Shaheen Hai” carries special significance as a patriotic anthem inspired by Iqbal’s timeless concept of the Shaheen, the eagle that soars above challenges, representing freedom and ambition.
By blending poetry, music and a contemporary message, the song seeks to inspire Pakistan’s youth to rise above challenges and actively contribute to national development.
“تو شاہیں ہے…” 🦅🇵🇰
علامہ محمد اقبالؒ نے نوجوان کو “شاہین” اس لیے کہا کہ وہ اسے محض آنے والے کل کا وارث نہیں، بلکہ آج کا معمار سمجھتے تھے۔ شاہین وہ ہے جو بلند نگاہ رکھتا ہے، بلند پرواز کرتا ہے، مشکلات سے نہیں گھبراتا اور نئی دنیاؤں کو اپنی صلاحیت، علم اور کردار سے فتح کرتا ہے… pic.twitter.com/E6egHUTbcs
— M/o Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (@PlanComPakistan) August 3, 2026
Nationwide movement for change
The anthem reinforces the objectives of the URAAN Pakistan vision by presenting patriotism as a commitment to education, innovation, character-building and national service.
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Released ahead of Independence Day, it aims to transform Iqbal’s message into a nationwide movement, encouraging young Pakistanis to become confident, creative and responsible citizens capable of steering the country towards sustained progress and prosperity.
