Speakers paid glowing tributes to poet-philosopher Allama Iqbal and called for following his teachings to retrieve the country from manifold challenges, it was facing, at present.
Speakers at different functions held to mark the birth anniversary of the Allama Iqbal here on Monday said that by following Allama Iqbal's teachings, we could create a just society in accordance with vision of great poet.
Markazi Majlis-e-Iqbal organised a function at Aiwan-e-Iqbal, which was addressed among others by Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, Dr Javed Iqbal, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Arif Nizami, Sajjad Mir and Oriya Maqbool Jan. They said that Allama Iqbal was banner holder of tolerance, peace and stability and his teachings were beacon of light. They said that challenges confronted to the country as well as nation could be tackled by following teachings of the great poet.
After addressing the function, Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, one of the heroes of historic lawyers' movement, said that he had discussed political issues with the President and Prime Minister during meetings. He further said that National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) has lost its efficacy on February 4, 2008 and cases could be registered against those who got benefit from NRO after this date. Therefore, he said that such persons should get bails from court of law.
Aitzaz Ahsan said that under Article 248 of the Constitution, no court could summon President and Governor. He called for strengthening institutions for which he said government must complete its term. He said he is a worker of PPP and there is no bar in accepting any office.
Earlier, addressing the function, Aitzaz said that Iqbal wanted to see such a state for the Muslims of sub-continent where people could rule. Moreover, people hailing from different walks of life thronged mausoleum of poet of the East throughout the day to pay homage to great poet who highlighted the sense of unity in Muslim Ummah and raised voice in support of economic justice.
The Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer accompanied by President PPP Punjab Rana Aftab and other local leaders visited the shrine of great poet and laid floral wreath. The Punjab Law Minister, Rana Sanaullah Khan also laid wreath at Mazar-e-Iqbal on behalf of Punjab Chief Minister.
A delegation of MQM led by Saif Yar Khan, Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Zaheer Uddin, Iranian Diplomat in Lahore, District Nazim Mian Amer Mahmood, vice-chancellor Punjab University Dr Mujahid Kamran, educationists and people from all walks of life visited the Mazar to pay homage to him.
After visiting Mazar-e-Iqbal, Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer told reporters that reports about his replacement are mere propaganda. "Like NRO, the issue of change of Punjab Governor should also be buried," he said. However, he reiterated that if any move arises in this regard he would apprise the media. He, however, said that there was no truth in reports about change of Punjab Governor.
Answering a question about shortage of sugar, he asked the people to boycott use of sugar. However, he did not reply the query when a reporter told him that people are facing problems due to non-availability of sugar. Paying homage to poet of the East, Taseer said that his family had personal relations with Allama Iqbal. He said that PPP is sincerely striving to transform the country according to vision of great poet.
He said that People's Party is a symbol of federation and is in touch with all the political forces. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that the country was facing manifold challenges that can be tackled only through unity. He said democratic societies are known due to difference of opinion. The need of the hour to follow the right path and accept mistakes, he added.
Opposition Leader Chaudhry Zaheer uddin told mediamen that Dr Allama Iqbal wanted a just society free from hatred. Muttahida Quami Movement leader Saif Yar Khan said that Allama Iqbal's poetry gave the message of moderation. He further said that Iqbal's poetry is also against extremism.
Earlier, a change of guard ceremony was held at the Mazar-e-Iqbal in which a smartly turned Pak Navy contingent assumed duties from Pakistan Rangers. Both the outgoing and incoming guards' contingents were inspected by Captain Akbar Naqi, Station Commander (Navy) Lahore.