National leaders hail Iqbal as architect of vision, urge youth to embrace ‘Khudi’

• President Asif Ali Zardari calls Iqbal a guiding intellectual force for Muslim Ummah

• PM Shehbaz Sharif links Iqbal’s message to fight against extremism and intolerance

• Calls for integrating Iqbal’s ideas into national policy, education and governance

• Youth urged to adopt knowledge, character and patriotism for national progress

• Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi says Iqbal’s call for unity and action remains vital today

 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other national leaders on Tuesday paid rich tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal, hailing him as the Poet of the East, a great Muslim thinker and intellectual architect of Pakistan, and reaffirmed the need to translate his ideas into national life.

In their separate messages on Iqbal Day (April 21), they described Iqbal as a benefactor of the Muslims of the subcontinent whose philosophy of selfhood, action and faith awakened a sense of identity, confidence and continuous struggle among a subdued nation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iqbal’s message holds extraordinary relevance in today’s national and global circumstances, particularly in the face of intellectual chaos, extremism and social intolerance. He stressed the need to shape individual and collective life in the light of Iqbal’s intellectual guidance, rooted in love, brotherhood and national consciousness.

He said the vision of a Pakistan built on peace, unity, knowledge, character and justice must guide the country’s future, adding that the government remains committed to eliminating terrorism, extremism and sectarianism and promoting a moderate and harmonious society.

Highlighting youth empowerment, the prime minister said Iqbal regarded young people as the nation’s most valuable asset and future architects. He stressed that equipping youth with knowledge, skills, character, independence and patriotism is essential for national progress.

He added that the government is taking steps to strengthen education on intellectual, moral and national foundations while empowering youth with modern skills and greater participation in national development.

“Guided by Iqbal’s thoughts, Pakistan’s youth can take the country towards new heights of development, stability and dignity,” he said, adding that Iqbal’s message is one of hope and continuous progress.

He urged that Iqbal’s ideas be integrated into national policy, education priorities and collective thinking to build a stronger and brighter Pakistan.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on Iqbal Day, said Iqbal was not only a poet but a profound intellectual, moral and spiritual force who gave direction to the Muslim Ummah through self-awareness, freedom of thought and determination.

He said Iqbal revived confidence in a period of decline and uncertainty, drawing upon Eastern and Western intellectual traditions to present a vision rooted in justice, dignity and human potential, while also foreseeing the rise and awakening of Asia.

The president said economic and social justice was central to Iqbal’s philosophy, particularly his emphasis on fairness for workers and dignity of labour. He noted that Iqbal’s message of justice, hope and reform of character remains deeply relevant in today’s conflict-ridden world.

Quoting Iqbal, he said: “Adamiyyat ehtiram-e-adami, Bakhabar sho az maqam-e-adami” (Humanity lies in respecting the dignity of man; recognise the true station of man).

He said Iqbal’s ideas remain relevant for all segments of society, from youth and women to students and ordinary citizens, with khudi (selfhood) at the centre of personal development and responsibility.

Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to Iqbal, calling for the revival of his message of selfhood, unity and action across the Muslim world.

He said Iqbal awakened the Muslim Ummah through the philosophy of khudi, urging vigilance, purposeful struggle and unity beyond distinctions of race, colour and language.

Recalling the Allahabad Address, he said Iqbal had envisioned a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent, which later became Pakistan.

The minister said Iqbal’s portrayal of youth as “shaheens” continues to inspire generations to pursue ambition, self-awareness and relentless struggle, describing youth as the true asset of the nation capable of shaping history.