Pakistan is celebrating the 149th birth anniversary of national poet and philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal on November 9, paying tribute to his vision, poetry and services to the Muslims of the subcontinent.

Known as the Poet of the East and the Thinker of Pakistan, Allama Iqbal was born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot. His poetry inspired Muslims to recognise their identity and struggle for a separate homeland.

Iqbal’s vision and educational journey

Iqbal received his early education in Sialkot before completing his master's degree in philosophy from Government College Lahore. He later travelled to England, where he studied law, and Germany, where he earned a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Munich.

His historic Allahabad Address in 1930 presented a political vision for a separate Muslim state in the subcontinent. His ideas later became an important inspiration for the Pakistan Movement, which led to the creation of Pakistan under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on August 14, 1947.

His famous poetry collections include Bang-e-Dra, Zarb-e-Kaleem, Bal-e-Jibril and Armaghan-e-Hijaz. Through his writings, he delivered powerful messages of self-respect, unity, hard work and self-discovery.

Guard-changing ceremony held at Mazar-e-Iqbal

A dignified change of guards ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore. Pakistan Navy Lahore Station Commander Commodore Misbah-ul-Amin attended as the chief guest, laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha.

He also inspected the Pakistan Rangers and Pakistan Navy contingents. A smartly dressed Pakistan Navy contingent formally assumed guard duties at the mausoleum.

Allama Iqbal passed away on April 21, 1938, but his intellectual legacy continues to inspire generations.