Homage paid to Allama Iqbal

Glowing tributes were paid to poet, philosopher and the conceiver of idea of Pakistan Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal, as his 140th birth anniversary was observed on Thursday with national spirit. Literary, educational, social and cultural organizations held special programmes, to pay homage to the national poet. Speakers in these functions highlighted different aspects of life and teachings of Allama Iqbal. They urged the nation to seek guidance from the life and teachings of Dr Allama Iqbal.
A graceful change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal here on Thursday. A contingent of Pakistan Navy took guards duties from Punjab Rangers. Station Commander Navy Lahore, Commodore Sajid Mehmood Shahzad was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He laid a floral wreath over the great philosopher poet's grave and offered Fateha.
Corps Commander Lahore Lieutenant General Amir Riaz also paid a visit to the Mazar-e-Iqbal and laid a floral wreath over the great philosopher poet's grave and offered Fateha. He paid rich tributes to the great philosopher who presented the idea of separate homeland for the Muslims of subcontinent.
Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif also visited Mazar-e-Iqbal. They also laid floral wreath on his grave and offered Fateha. Writing comments in the Visitors' Book, they paid rich homage to the great philosopher who presented the idea of separate homeland for Muslims in subcontinent. Later, talking to newsmen, Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need to understand the teachings and philosophy of Allama Iqbal. He said hard work and honesty are the only way to success. He also stressed the need to work hard for the progress and prosperity of the country.
People hailing from different walks of life including educationists visited the mazar to pay respect to great philosopher. A delegation of Punjab University under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir visited mausoleum of Allama Iqbal and laid floral wreath and offered Fateha. Similarly, a delegation of students and teachers from Government College University Lahore, led by Dean Faculty of Languages, Islamic & Oriental Learning, Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Shahid also visited the Iqbal's mausoleum.
A seminar was also held at GC University Lahore Urdu Department in connection with the Iqbal's birth anniversary. Tehran University Urdu Department Chairperson Dr Muhammad Quemercy, GCU Dean Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Prof Dr Tahir Kamran, Dean Faculty of Languages, Islamic & Oriental Learning, Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Shahid and Urdu Department Chairperson Dr Khalid Mehmood Sanjrani addressed the seminar. The speakers said Allama Iqbal in his poetry gave message of love, peace, unity, brotherhood, tolerance and sincerity for the whole mankind. They said that the teachings of Allama Iqbal are like a beacon to maintain tolerance, peace and stability in the society.
Speaking at a function held at Services Hospital, Chief Nursing Superintendent Samina Yasmeen said that serving the ailing humanity is the real teachings of Allam Mohammad Iqbal. She called upon nursing community to perform their duties with national zeal. She said that "Iqbaliaat" is equally respectable for all the Muslims and every one can get guidance out of it.