Lahore - A petition was filed in the Lahore High Court Tuesday seeking directives for federal and provincial governments to announce holiday on November 9, Allama Iqbal’s birthday.  Farhad Ali Shah, a member of Punjab Bar Council, moved the petition, saying: “Dr Iqbal was a poet, philosopher, politician, barrister and scholar.

He was the spiritual father of Pakistan.” But the petitioner said his birthday was not celebrated like Father of the Nation Muhamamd Ali Jinnah and other personalities. Few years ago, celebration of Iqbal Day was cancelled, he told the court. 

A writ petition has already been pending in the Lahore High Court for restoration of holiday on Iqbal Day  Shah asked the court to order authorities to announce holiday on Iqbal Day.