ISLAMABAD: The 80th death anniversary of national poet, philosopher and thinker Dr Allama Iqbal was observed across the country on Saturday. Scores of people from various walks of life thronged Iqbal’s mausoleum to pay homage to great thinker of the 20th century. Various social, political and cultural organisations arranged special programmes, including seminars, to pay homage to the Poet of the East. A special ceremony in this regard was held at the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) to pay tribute to the national poet. Speaking on the occasion, AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui re-affirmed the pledge that varsity would fulfil its responsibility to promote intellectual and visionary message of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal through academic purists and literary and social activities. “The AIOU that was named after Dr Iqbal is determined to disseminate his thought-provoking message of humanity among the students for their character-building and putting them on the track of nation-building,” he added. The vice chancellor said that Iqbal’s message of peace and co-existence was relevant to cope with socio-economic challenges of the present days. Special programmes were aired throughout the day to educate and update students on philosophy and thoughts of the great poet, particularly with references to his message to youth, on FM radio network. Dr Shahid Siddiqui said that the university was engaged in extensive research work on his vision. “It is also laying special focus on research and in-depth study on various aspects of Iqbal’s message for the young generation,” he added. Born in Sialkot, the Shair-e-Mashriq is considered to be one of the most important figures in South Asian literature, with works in both Urdu and Persian. An advocate of Muslim rights, championing his ideas with pen and revolutionary concepts, Iqbal’s word and work are still quite relevant in the present day. Some of his best works comprise Asrar-e-Khudi, Payam-i-Mashriq, Bang-i-Dara, Bal-i-Jibril, Zarb-i Kalim and Armughan-e-Hijaz. Meanwhile, the embassy of Pakistan in Ankara, Turkey also marked the 80th death anniversary of the national poet of Pakistan Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Ankara. Meanwhile, Sebilurreshad magazine and Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thought Association organised a panel discussion at the National Library of Turkey, said a message received from Embassy of Ankara. Mehmet Akif Isik, chairman, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thought Association, said Muhammad Iqbal had many contributions to the field of philosophy, literature and law. “His poetry had many similarities with Mehmet Akif ’s poetry.” Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi in his keynote speech highlighted Allama Iqbal’s association with Turkey and its leading literary figure Mehmet Akif Ersoy. Published in Daily Times, April 22nd 2018.