The nation marked the 145th birth anniversary of great philosopher and poet, Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal today (Wednesday). The day dawned with special prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Dr Iqbal awakened the Muslims of the Subcontinent through his universal poetry and political acumen by presenting idea of the creation of Pakistan through his historic address at Allahabad in 1930. Allama Iqbal’s address gave a clear direction and separate identity to Muslims of the Sub-Continent to achieve Pakistan. However, a change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore, where a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Navy assumed responsibility of guard from Punjab Rangers. On the other hand, the prime minister, in his message on the birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal annually observed on November 9, said the great poet had a vision for Pakistan where the youth should have the thinking capability for taking the country to unprecedented heights. PM Shehbaz urged the nation to carry out self-accountability whether they succeeded to safeguard Iqbal’s Pakistan which came into being consequent to the remarkable struggle and sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of people. Moreover, President Arif Alvi, in his message on the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal annually observed on November 9, said following Iqbal’s teachings also focused on gaining modern knowledge of science and arts, and embracing innovation and creation without compromising religious, social and cultural values and preferences. President Alvi said the great philosopher and poet persistently gave a message in his poetry, prose and speeches of attaining knowledge and applying it in everyday life to understand life, the perception of reality and to attain a higher level of both spiritual fulfillment and happiness, and progress and prosperity.