The Punjab Information and Culture Department organized a graceful ceremony titled “Jashn-e-Iqbal” at Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore, to mark the birth anniversary of the Poet of the East and Philosopher of Pakistan, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The event was graced by Provincial Minister for Finance, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, and the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Mehran Moheddfar, as special guests.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem, followed by a heart-touching Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool (SAW) presented by renowned Naat Khwan Marghoob Raza Hamdani. Secretary Information and Culture Punjab, Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, especially the Iranian delegation, and highlighted the importance of celebrating Iqbal’s legacy in strengthening Pak-Iran cultural ties.
Addressing the gathering, Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that Allama Iqbal awakened the Muslim nation from stagnation and guided it toward faith, action, and self-respect. He added that Iqbal envisioned Muslims as a united global community, transcending geographical boundaries – a vision reflected in his profound philosophy of Khudi (selfhood).
The Minister stated that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government is translating Iqbal’s ideals into action by promoting self-reliance, empowerment, and inclusive development. He said the Chief Minister’s social and economic reform initiatives are steering Punjab toward progress, prosperity, and self-sufficiency. “The vision of a prosperous, progressive, and self-reliant Punjab is, in fact, the true realization of Iqbal’s dream,” he remarked.
Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman further said that Allama Iqbal was not the poet of one region but a universal thinker whose message of self-awareness, conviction, and unity continues to inspire generations across the Muslim world. He added that Iqbal transformed the despair of the subcontinent’s Muslims into hope and self-belief, making his philosophy an enduring beacon of guidance for the entire Ummah.
The event also featured mesmerizing performances by the Iranian traditional music band “Deerang” and renowned Pakistani vocalist Muhammad Sami, who enthralled the audience by presenting Iqbal’s poetry in both Persian and Urdu.
Speaking on the occasion, Iranian Consul General Mr. Mehran Moheddfar said that Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly Islamic nations bound by deep cultural, linguistic, and spiritual ties. He described Allama Iqbal as a timeless symbol of the shared intellectual and cultural heritage that unites the peoples of both nations.
Secretary Information and Culture Punjab, Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, emphasized that the historical and cultural relations between Pakistan and Iran span centuries, strengthened by shared civilizational values. He said the “Jashn-e-Iqbal” event beautifully reflects the spirit of Pak-Iran cultural harmony and friendship.
A calligraphy and art exhibition based on Iqbal’s poetry was also displayed by Alhamra Arts Council, receiving great admiration from participants and visitors alike.
In his concluding remarks, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that Allama Muhammad Iqbal is a shared intellectual treasure of both Pakistan and Iran. He urged everyone to uphold Iqbal’s vision of a strong, enlightened, and self-reliant Pakistan.
The Minister appreciated Chairman Alhamra, Mr. Razi Ahmed, and the team of the Information and Culture Department for successfully organizing the memorable event.