The 143rd birth anniversary of philosopher and poet Allama Iqbal was observed on Monday across country with national zeal and fervour, Various literary, political, social and cultural organisations have arranged special programmes to pay homage to the national poet and to highlight his life and thoughts. On the auspicious occasion, Directorate General Public Relations of Air Force launched a new motivational song “Shaheen-o-Mahi.” The song is not only a tribute to Allama Iqbal but also depicted his vision for the guardians of aerial defence. The main theme of this song was to acquaint the youth with Iqbal’s philosophy of self-realisation and bravery. The song has been sung by the renowned Pakistani vocalist Zaib Bangash. An impressive change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Dr Allama Iqbal on Monday. The 143rd birth anniversary of national poet, who with the vision of independent state inspired the creation of Pakistan, was being celebrated across the country. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy clad in immaculate whites, assumed ceremonial guard duties with traditional spirit and enthusiasm, said a Pakistan Navy press release. Meanwhile, the outgoing Rangers ceremoniously moved out of the Mazar lead by their officer-in-charge. Both the outgoing incoming guards of Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Rangers were inspected by station commander (Navy) Lahore, commodore Muhammad Neimatullah. The ceremonial guard mounting was followed by wreath laying at the Mazar of the national poet by station commander (Navy) on behalf of the chief of the naval staff, officers, sailors and civilians of Pakistan Navy. Later on, station commander offered Fateha and recorded his impressions in the visitor’s book. The ceremony was observed by military and civil officials, school children and general public. A day earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the thoughts of the national poet of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, were a source of inspiration and guidance. On the birth anniversary of Iqbal, a great philosopher and poet, the Prime Minister shared excerpts of an article ‘A manifestation of Self-reconstruction and Reformation’ by renowned Iranian intellectual Dr Ali Shariati. “He is a great mystic, with a pure spirit, delivered of materiality and, at the same time, a man who respects and honors science, technological progress, and the advancement of human reason in our age,” the prime minister wrote in his tweet, quoting Dr Shariati. The prime minister also shared a link of the article in his post, giving a view about Iqbal’s philosophy. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz said on Monday that Iqbal’s vision of Pakistan will be translated into reality under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a tweet, he said that the entire nation pays homage to Hazrat Allama Iqbal today, the day of his birth anniversary. Shibli Faraz said he was a poet, philosopher and thinker. The minister said by giving the message of ” Khudi”, he gave the new generation lesson of self reliance. The newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong took to his Twitter account on Monday, and paid tribute to Allama Iqbal on the occasion of the poet’s 143rd birth anniversary. Ambassador Rong shared a portrait of Pakistan’s national poet and added one of his most renowned poetry about the destiny of nations. “Afraad K Hathon Main Hai Aqwam Ki Taqdeer Her Fard Hai Milat Ke Muqaddar Ka Sitara.”