Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi visited the
mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal on Monday to pay tribute to the great poet on the
occasion of his 149th birth anniversary.

During the visit, the minister was accompanied by a delegation of academic and literary
representatives. He laid a floral wreath at Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum, offered Fateha, and wrote
his remarks in the visitors’ book.

The delegation included Iqbal Academy Pakistan Vice President Dr. Shahzad Qaiser, Director
Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, Iwan-i-Iqbal Chairman Salman Ghani, and Administrator Anjum
Waheed.

Speaking on the occasion, Aurangzeb Khichi announced that 2027 would be observed as a
year dedicated to Allama Iqbal. Several academic, literary, research, and cultural activities will
be organised across Pakistan and in other countries to promote Iqbal’s teachings and
philosophy.

He said the Iqbal Academy Pakistan would play an important role in arranging these activities.
The planned events will include national and international conferences, seminars, competitions,
translation projects, and research and publication programmes.

The minister explained that these activities would help introduce Allama Iqbal’s message to
younger generations, students, researchers, and academic communities around the world.
He also highlighted that Allama Iqbal’s ideas and contributions are an important part of
Pakistan’s national identity. He stressed the need to promote Iqbal’s teachings and explain their
importance in dealing with modern-day challenges.

Earlier, a special ceremony was held at Hazuri Bagh during the night between November 8 and
9. Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khichi and Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal jointly cut a cake to
mark the occasion.

Ahsan Iqbal is also serving as the chairman of the national committee responsible for organising
the 149th birth anniversary celebrations of Allama Iqbal.

The ceremony was attended by well-known personalities from academic, literary, research, and
educational fields. Participants paid tribute to Allama Iqbal and recognised his important
contributions to literature, philosophy, and the nation.

The planned year-long activities aim to keep Iqbal’s message alive and encourage future
generations to learn from his ideas and philosophy.

Source: Ministry of National Heritage and Culture

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