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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, underscored the importance of the thoughts and philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, saying that they remain highly relevant in the contemporary world.
He was addressing the national conference titled “Fikr-e-Iqbal: Daur-e-Hazir Mein Zarurat o Ahmiyat”, organized by the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) to mark Iqbal Day on Wednesday.
In his address, the minister expressed concern that today’s younger generation is largely unaware of Iqbal’s philosophy, vision, and his unwavering struggle for the uplift of the Muslim Ummah.
“Iqbal’s message is not only for us but for all nations. We must benefit from his thoughts and teachings,” he urged.
Paying tribute to late Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Khichi said that Siddiqui rendered invaluable services for the preservation and strengthening of institutions such as the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD). He added that it is due to his efforts that such institutions continue to play their vital role today.
The minister requested the Director General of NLPD to arrange a meeting with literary institutions and vice chancellors of universities to seek guidance and suggestions for preserving languages, culture, and heritage in line with Iqbal’s vision. He assured full support from his ministry in this regard.
“We have written a letter to the Punjab government requesting arrangements for schoolchildren’s visits to heritage sites, literary places, museums, and other relevant locations to create awareness among the youth,” the minister shared.
“It is our national duty to preserve our national language, heritage, and culture,” he added.
Khichi thanked the DG NLPD for inviting him to the national conference on Iqbal’s thought and for giving him the opportunity to preside over the event.
Director General of the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar, delivered the welcome address. He expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests for gracing the occasion and to all participants for their presence.
He stated that the purpose of organizing the national conference was to highlight the pivotal role of Allama Muhammad Iqbal in awakening the Muslims of the Subcontinent and preparing them for the struggle for a separate homeland.
“Iqbal’s thoughts provide guidance to the entire Muslim world. They inspire passion, independence, and hope, and remain exemplary even today,” he remarked.
Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar congratulated the winners who secured first, second, third, and fourth positions in the competition organized by NLPD on December 10 in connection with Iqbal Day. He also appreciated the judges and teachers for their support and cooperation in successfully organizing the competition.
He acknowledged the support and collaboration of Askari Bank Limited and the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division in making the event possible.
Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, also extended his gratitude to DG NLPD Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar.
He said that the DG NLPD is a well-known and highly respected personality in both Iran and Pakistan, particularly in the field of culture, adding that his personality is a source of goodwill and blessing for cultural development.
The ambassador also appreciated the people of Pakistan for rendering remarkable services in the field of culture.
He said that personalities such as Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Sheikh Saadi are role models and sources of guidance for society.
“A society that forgets its role models cannot have a promising future,” he remarked.
He added that Iqbal would always be remembered as a poet, philosopher, freedom fighter, and revolutionary.
At the conclusion of the event, cash prizes and certificates were awarded to eight participants who secured first, second, third, and fourth positions in the competition titled Qalam-e-Iqbal, held on December 10. Certificates were also distributed among all students who participated in the competition.