Iqbal Day: Govt declares public holiday on Nov 9

The federal government has declared November 9 a public holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of the national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

This year marks the 147th anniversary of Allama Iqbal, who left a profound impact on the ideology of Pakistan through his poetry.

According to the notification, the public holiday aligns with the list of official holidays published on December 20, 2023, for the year 2024.

Allama Iqbal inspired a revolutionary spirit in the younger generation and emphasised the greatness of Islam. Many of his works have been translated into English, German, French, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages.

Known as the "Poet of the East" and the "Thinker of Pakistan," Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal was born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot.

After completing his primary education there, he pursued law in Great Britain in 1905 and later earned a PhD in philosophy from Germany.

Upon returning to India in 1910, Dr Iqbal’s poetry stirred intellectual and political consciousness among the Muslim community. He laid the foundation for a vision that would ultimately lead to the creation of Pakistan.

Allama Iqbal passed away in Lahore on April 21, 1938, and was laid to rest beside the Badshahi Masjid.