On Friday, the federal government officially announced a public holiday in commemoration of Iqbal Day, which takes place on November 9. This marks the 146th birthday of the revered poet and philosopher of the nation, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
As per a notification from the Cabinet Division, all educational institutions, government offices, and private offices throughout the country will remain closed on Thursday, November 9, in honor of this significant occasion. Last year, the government reinstated the November 9 public holiday after it had been absent for several years.
Allama Iqbal, born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, was a prominent figure in the subcontinent and played a pivotal role in the Pakistan movement. Iqbal, often regarded as a Sufi poet for the modern era, ignited a revolutionary spirit in the nation through his poetry.
His works have been translated into numerous languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and English, establishing his reputation as a notable philosopher on the global stage. Unfortunately, he did not live to witness Pakistan's independence and passed away on April 21, 1938.