The birth anniversary of great philosopher and poet, Allama Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal was celebrated with usual zeal and enthusiasm in the city and other parts of Sialkot district on Tuesday, November 9. The daylong programmes started with special prayers in all principal mosques of Sialkot for the solidarity, unity and prosperity of the country and for early liberation of Indian-held Kashmir.
A group of school children set a unique precedent by celebrating the birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal at Iqbal Manzil (Sialkot) by cutting a birthday cake. A big procession of citizens including journalist was taken out from Iqbal Manzil (the birthplace of Iqbal) to the graves of the parents of Allama Iqbal. On this occasion, flower wreaths were laid on the graves of parents of Allama Iqbal by different social, cultural and literary circles and offered Fateha.
A large number of school and college students visited the Iqbal Manzil for paying homage to great the philosopher and poet and went round different portions, especially the room in which Allama was born. There, they also saw the relics. At Iqbal Manzil (Sialkot), a book exhibition was also arranged where a large number of books written on Allama Iqbal by different authors in various languages and some rare book were displayed.
Meanwhile, people belonging to different walks of life stressed the need for taking concrete steps to protect Iqbal Manzil from the growing pollution. Talking to reporters at Iqbal Manzil, prominent writer Professor Ijaz Ahmad Butt said that the government should take appropriate steps for protecting Iqbal Manzil from damage. The poor and choked sewerage surrounding Iqbal Manzil poses serious and permanent threat, while seepage is threatening the building structure adversely, especially the foundation, he pointed out.
He said that it is the duty of the Archaeology Department and other concerned authorities to focus on protecting Iqbal Manzil from surrounding sewerage and seepage. About 37 years back, the house (birthplace of Allama) at Sialkot was purchased by the federal government which placed it under the control of Archaeology Department for its preservation as a historic place.
At the time of purchase of the house it was in a neglected condition and needed repairs and proper maintenance. Iqbal Manzil was renovated and properly furnished with a view to create an atmosphere of the old days when Allama lived in it. The structural repair was accordingly carried out to keep intact the shape and design of the building and three rooms at the rear of the present Iqbal Manzil have been furnished and decorated to create original environment. Wooden furniture like takhts, beds, almirahs, wooden chests and a cradle were also placed.
The library has more than 5,000 books, mainly on Iqbal, besides the works of the philosopher, poet and humanist besides Quran, Hadis, philosophy, history, literature, jurisprudence translation of Allama Iqbal's work. The library is catering the needs of researchers, writers and students interested to study Iqbal's philosophy and thought.
Immediate attention and timely action of district government and TMA Sialkot is direly needed for removing the encroachments and widening of the road to ensure that visitors, especially diplomats and other foreigners, visit the Iqbal Manzil without any hassle.
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