Sindh govt announce public holiday on Iqbal Day

KARACHI: The government of Sindh on Monday announced public holiday on November 9, the birth anniversary of Muhammad Iqbal, the Thinker of Pakistan and Poet of the East, Bol News reported.

The Sindh government’s Services, General Administration & Coordination Department issued a notification in this regard.

The notification read, “The government of Sindh hereby declares 9^th November, 2023 as the public holiday on the occasion of Allama Iqbal Day, throughout the province for all the government offices, autonomous bodies, semi-autonomous bodies, corporations and local councils under the administrative control of the government, except the essential services.”

On November 3, the caretaker federal government of Pakistan had declared a public holiday on November 9th in honor of the birth anniversary of the renowned national poet and philosopher, Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

“In pursuance of the Cabinet Division’s circular No. 10-01/2022-Min-II dated December 23, 2022, it is publicized for general information that a public holiday will be observed on Iqbal Day, November 9, throughout the country,” the notification stated.

Allama Iqbal, born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, holds a significant place in the hearts and minds of Pakistanis. He received his early education in traditional maktab, later attending the Sialkot Mission School, where he successfully passed his matriculation exams. He furthered his academic journey by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Government College, Lahore, in 1897, and later, his Master’s Degree.

Throughout his career, Allama Iqbal served as a lecturer of history, philosophy, and English at Lahore’s Oriental College. He was a visionary thinker who played a pivotal role in inspiring Muslims, particularly the youth of the Indian subcontinent, to strive for independence from British colonial rule and demand a separate homeland.

Although Allama Iqbal did not live to witness the realization of his dream of a separate nation for Muslims, he left an indelible mark on history. He passed away on April 21, 1938, but his words and philosophy continue to resonate with generations.