SIALKOT

As many as 30 unrevealed letters of Allama Iqbal have been showcased at Iqbal Manzil, the birthplace of Allama Iqbal in Sialkot, on his death anniversary.
Iqbal Manzil In-charge Syed Riaz Hussain Naqvi said that these letters were written by Allama Iqbal to his family members and friends. These letters were given to Iqbal Manzil by some close relatives of Allama Iqbal and his fans in Pakistan and abroad.
An art gallery captioned “Iqbal Khatoot Key Aainey Mein” has also been established to display these letters. Besides, books on Iqbaliyat and pictures of Iqbal, his parents and family member have also been displayed there. One of the letters displayed at Iqbal Manzil was written by the then Nawab of Bahawalpur Sadiq Ahmed Abbasi on September 2, 1928. It was an appointment letter in which the Nawab of Bahawalpur had appointed Allama Iqbal as legal advisor of the Bahawalpur State with Rs1,000 salary per month.
The fans of Allama Iqbal including Dr Allan Skeislar (California-USA), Mr Saidaqa Said (Germany), Mr Halcon Centerce (Istanbul-Turkey), Prof Dr Ishaq (University of Suleyman Demirel-Turkey), Dr Ansar Pervez, former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission of Pakistan, and Muneeb Iqbal, the grandson of Allama Iqbal, visited Iqbal Manzil.
They paid homage to Allama Iqbal, and showed keen interest in the personal things of Allama Iqbal and the rare books and pictures. Muneeb Iqbal said that Allama Muhammad Iqbal was a visionary who conceived the idea of separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent that was ultimately materialised in the shape of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Dr Allan Skeislar, a PhD in South Asian Religions and Literature (USA), said that the teachings of Allama Iqbal are beacon to maintain tolerance, peace and stability in the society. He added that the national youth should transform themselves into Iqbal’s ‘Mard-e-Momin’. He emphasised austerity envisioned by Allama Iqbal.
Dr Ishaq stressed a need to follow teachings of Allama Iqbal to retrieve the country from the challenges. “The teachings of Iqbal are no doubt beacon for the entire world, in the current circumstances,” he added.
Mr Saidaqa said, “He (Iqbal) included the elements of thought and strategy in the national affairs. He highlighted the sense of unity in Muslim Ummah and raised voice in favour of economic justice.” They said that they were much pleased to be here in Iqbal Manzil Sialkot on the occasion.
They said that it was love of Iqbal which had brought them there. They added that Allama Iqbal was a national hero. They narrated that there was a great imagination of implementation, ethics and spiritualism in Iqbal’s poetry, adding that Allama Iqbal always wanted to see human development through the way of selfhood or Khudi.
The people offered Fateha and laid floral wreaths at the graves of the parents and other family members of Allama Iqbal at Imam Sahib Graveyard.
Meanwhile, Bazam-e-Iqbal President Nasir Shamim Khan Lodhi urged the government to announce local holiday on Allama Iqbal’s death anniversary.
Iqbal Academy of Pakistan will also hold an exhibition of books on Iqbaliyat at Iqbal Manzil where the books on Iqbaliyat would be sold on 50 percent discount. The newly renovated Iqbal Manzil is now presenting an eye-catching look, as the carpeted rooms, stairs and white washed walls with the new curtains are welcoming the visitor.
It has now foolproof security system with the advanced CCTV cameras affixed everywhere. Though, this ancient building is still in dangerous condition from its back side but the front view has attraction for the visitors.

Nation observes Allama’s death anniversary today

SIALKOT: The nation will pay rich tributes to Dr Allama Iqbal, the poet of the East, on his 78th death anniversary being observed today. Especially, the people in his native city Sialkot will acknowledge his services for getting a separate homeland for the Muslims of Subcontinent. Quran Khawani will be held at Iqbal Manzil Sialkot under the auspices of Bazam-i-Iqbal Sialkot, in which a large number of the people from all walks of life will participate. Later, contests on Kalam-I-Iqbal will be held at Iqbal Manzil, in which a large number of students from different schools and colleges participate. Meanwhile, a large number of the people from all walks of life participated in Mehfil-e-Millad and Quran Khawani at Iqbal Manzil under the auspice of Bazam-e-Iqbal. Quran Khawani was held on the eve of the death anniversary of Allama Iqbal.–Staff Reporter