Ahsan calls for turning Quaid, Iqbal anniversaries, Mughal legacy into national awareness campaign

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Monday directed relevant institutions to turn the 150th birth anniversaries of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal, along with the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Mughal Empire, into a nationwide awareness campaign.

He said the commemorative activities should promote historical consciousness, intellectual awakening and awareness of Pakistan’s cultural heritage among the younger generation, rather than remaining confined to formal ceremonies.

Chairing a meeting to review preparations for commemorative activities marking these historic milestones falling in 2026 and 2027, the minister stressed that the events should not be confined to ceremonial activities but should serve as a means of developing a sense of national responsibility and a deeper connection with the country’s history and civilisation.

Ahsan Iqbal directed that special programmes be organised in schools, colleges and other educational institutions across the country from September to December in connection with the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam.

He proposed essay-writing and speech competitions, inter-school and inter-institutional contests, painting competitions and other creative activities based on the Quaid’s sayings and vision.

The minister called for organising the events to international standards and inviting renowned scholars, historians, educationists and researchers from around the world to highlight the thought of Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal, the struggle for Pakistan and the historical and cultural heritage of the subcontinent at the global intellectual level.

He said Quaid-i-Azam had risked his life to secure an independent homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent, adding that the sacrifices and commitment behind the achievement of Pakistan needed to be properly communicated to the younger generation.

Referring to the Quaid’s health, he said his physicians had maintained the confidentiality of his illness at a critical stage in the struggle for Pakistan, demonstrating exceptional professional responsibility and integrity.

The minister said the younger generation should understand the sacrifices made by the Quaid and realise that the responsibility for Pakistan’s development, prosperity, stability and reconstruction now rested on the collective efforts of its citizens.

Discussing the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Mughal Empire, Ahsan Iqbal said the Mughal dynasty had ruled large parts of the subcontinent for more than three centuries and its legacy should be studied beyond the conventional focus on rulers and wars.

He directed that the Mughal period be highlighted from the perspectives of local culture, administrative and governance systems, revenue collection, arts, architecture and the broader civilisational heritage of the region.

The minister said the objective should be to highlight the constructive aspects of the Mughal era and the administrative and cultural contributions that enabled the Muslim empire to govern a vast and diverse region.

He also directed the preparation of a comprehensive documentary covering various dimensions of the Mughal period, including innovations in architecture, contributions to art and architecture, governance and the historical and cultural heritage of the era.

He said such initiatives would help the younger generation understand and appreciate its historical, cultural and civilisational heritage.

The federal minister directed all relevant ministries, departments and institutions to ensure effective implementation of the planned programmes and activities within their respective domains.

According to historical records, April 21, 1526, is conventionally recognised as the founding date of the Mughal Empire, when Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of Panipat, marking the beginning of Mughal rule in the subcontinent. The year 2026 therefore marks the 500th anniversary of the establishment of the Mughal Empire.

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born on December 25, 1876. Under his leadership, the Muslims of the subcontinent successfully achieved their historic struggle for an independent homeland.

Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the Poet of the East and philosopher of Pakistan, was born on November 9, 1877. His thought and philosophy provided the intellectual foundation for the concepts of selfhood, Muslim identity and a distinct political future for the Muslims of the subcontinent.

The years 2026 and 2027 mark the 150th birth anniversaries of the two eminent leaders.

Ahsan Iqbal emphasised that these occasions should be used not merely for traditional commemorations but as an opportunity to present Pakistan’s historical and cultural heritage and its civilisational achievements to the world, while ensuring that the younger generation remains connected with its roots.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan Television (PTV), Radio Pakistan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant institutions attended the meeting.