The committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Nausheen Iftikhar. During the session, members reviewed the Iqbal Academy Amendment Bill 2025. Officials from the National Heritage Division briefed the committee and said that Iqbal Academy Pakistan has proposed necessary amendments to the Iqbal Academy Ordinance 1962, and the Iqbal Academy Amendment Act 2025 has been sent to parliament.
Iqbal Academy officials informed the committee that they plan to make a film on Allama Iqbal. Committee members asked whether there were people, other than Iqbal’s family, who had met him or whose interviews were available. The officials replied that 77 interviews related to Allama Iqbal and his son have been collected.
Expressing satisfaction, the chairperson said it was a good idea because Iqbal’s family could share facts that no one else could. Officials further shared that they plan to produce a five-season drama series with a total of 70 episodes on Allama Iqbal.
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Committee members suggested that photographs of Iqbal’s old house should also be included. The officials added that they also want to create content on Iqbal’s ideas and philosophy, similar to how Turkey produced a series on Ertugrul Ghazi.
Members stressed that local talent should be given priority. MNA Saira Turrar said that Allama Iqbal did not belong only to Islamabad, and suggestions from all provinces should be taken.
Federal Minister for Culture Aurangzeb Khichi said there should be an amendment under which culture remains with the provinces, while heritage comes under the federation. He also said the government should immediately establish a National Museum.
Committee members expressed concern and said the key issue was whether national heritage was truly among the government’s priorities. They emphasized that the proposals discussed in the meeting must be practically approved.
The meeting also discussed the restoration of Gurdwara Nanak Sar in Daska tehsil of Sialkot. The Additional Secretary of the Evacuee Trust informed the committee that it is an old but inactive Sikh place of worship, built on eight marlas of land, with no Sikh population living nearby.
Evacuee Trust officials said they plan to strengthen and restore the gurdwara building, but a large amount of funding is required. They also shared that there are around 150 gurdwaras across the country, out of which 17 are functional. In addition, 19 temples are active, and minority religious sites remain a top priority.
The committee directed officials to improve the condition of the gurdwara and also decided to visit Gurdwara Nanak Sar.
