Iqbal Academy has been successful enough in developing in-house links as well as collaborating with foreign countries' libraries working on the great poet. This was observed during the working paper reading of 40th board meeting of Iqbal Academy, held under the chairmanship of federal minister for culture, Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani at Aiwan-e-Iqbal.
The minister termed Iqbal Academy a 'hub for keeping Iqbal's thought alive in the era when there is dire need to translate Iqbal's vision into practical reality'. He, along-with federal secretary for culture and members of the governing body, discussed various items on the agenda, eg suitability of candidates for the post of treasurer and executive member, while consultations were made regarding forthcoming Iqbal Award ceremony and Iqbal Presidential Award. Jilani acknowledged the efforts and encouraged expanding the sphere of development.
Earlier, Vice President Iqbal Academy Dr Shehzad Qaiser acquainted the minister about the developments and progress made this year in Iqbal Academy. He said the total allocated budget of Iqbal Academy for this year is Rs 39.2 million. Of this amount, he added, federal government provides Rs 10.5mn while the share of provincial government is Rs 6.7 million. Keeping in view the ongoing projects, Director Iqbal Academy Sohail Umer requested for more funds, which the minister showed his consent to.