LAHORE: The 148th birth anniversary of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal — the visionary who dreamt of a free homeland for Muslims and awakened the human spirit — is being observed today with solemn respect across the country.

A dignified change-of-guards ceremony will be held at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, who inspired subjugated nations to rise and build a new civilization.

Every year on November 9, Iqbal’s birth anniversary is commemorated nationwide as Iqbal Day.

Allama Muhammad Iqbal introduced the idea of an independent state for the Muslims of the subcontinent. His powerful words encouraged the Muslim Ummah to stand up for their rights and move forward in the struggle for freedom.

Iqbal awakened the Muslims from the shackles of slavery by strengthening the concept of separate nationhood and inspiring them through his poetry.

His thoughts and philosophy lit a beacon of hope that illuminated not only the destination but also the path leading towards it.

Allama Iqbal, revered as the Thinker of Pakistan, was born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot and passed away on April 21, 1938, in Lahore.