PESHAWAR: Great tributes were paid to the national poet philosopher, Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal for awakening the Muslims of subcontinent for a separate homeland through his inspired poetry and political acumen, on his 86th death anniversary that was observed with great admiration and reverence in all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday.
The day dawned with special prayers in mosques for progress and prosperity of Pakistan and eternal peace of the legendary poet who instilled a new hope and direction among the Muslims of Indo-Pakistan subcontinent for a separate homeland where they could live with dignity, respect and religious freedom.
Political, social, literary organizations and educational institutions organized special programs and declamation contests in connection with the day.
The speakers eulogized the matchless poetic, literary and political services of Allama Muhammad Iqbal who presented the historic 1930 address at Allabad that set a clear direction for millions of Muslims to achieve Pakistan where they could spend life as per their religious belief.
In this connection, a debate competition on the life and poetic services of Dr Muhammad Iqbal was held at Peshawar Model School where speakers highlighted various aspects of his personality and services.
Malaika Bibi, a 4th grade student said that following the failure of the Independence War of 1857, the Muslims of the subcontinent who ruled united India for nearly 800 years were pushed the wall after the colonial masters tilted towards Hindus and deprived Muslims of all kinds of rights and liberties.
She said the Hindus were given free access to education, jobs, and civil, economic and political rights while Muslims were pushed to the walls by the colonial masters as the latter considered them rivals after overthrowing the Mughals under the guise of East India Company.
Hence, she said the Muslims were deprived of all kinds of rights and liberties including education, employment, social, economic and independence in that era of discrimination and oppression.
She said the mission of great educationist Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was carried forward by Hazrat Shah Wali Ullah and later by Dr Muhammad Iqbal for the socio-economic and educational emancipation of the Muslims.
Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal continued his inspired poetry and created a new wave of hope, patriotism and spirit in Muslims of the Subcontinent.
