Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Wednesday voiced serious concern that the nation’s youth are largely unacquainted with the profound philosophy and vision of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, stressing an urgent need to reintroduce his guiding principles to the new generation.
Speaking at a national conference, ‘Fikr-e-Iqbal: Daur-e-Hazir Mein Zarurat o Ahmiyat,’ the minister lamented the disconnect between young people and the poet-philosopher’s struggle for the Muslim Ummah. The event was organized by the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) to commemorate Iqbal Day.
“Iqbal’s message is not only for us but for all nations. We must benefit from his thoughts and teachings,” Khichi stated, calling for renewed efforts to familiarize the youth with Iqbal’s intellectual contributions.
During his address, the minister paid tribute to the late Senator Irfan Siddiqui, acknowledging his invaluable services in strengthening institutions like the NLPD. He credited Siddiqui’s efforts for the continued vital role these bodies play in advancing language and culture.
To bridge this educational gap, Khichi announced that a letter has been dispatched to the Punjab government requesting arrangements for schoolchildren to visit heritage sites, literary places, and museums. He also asked the NLPD Director General to convene a meeting with literary organizations and university vice-chancellors for suggestions on preserving national heritage in line with Iqbal’s vision, promising full ministerial support.
“It is our national duty to preserve our national language, heritage and culture,” the minister affirmed.
Earlier, NLPD Director General Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar delivered the welcome remarks, noting that the conference aimed to illuminate Allama Iqbal’s pivotal role in awakening the Muslims of the Subcontinent for the creation of a separate homeland. He described Iqbal’s ideas as a source of passion, independence, and hope that remains exemplary for the Muslim world.
Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, the Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, also addressed the gathering. He praised the Pakistani people’s cultural contributions and highlighted that figures like Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah are shared role models for the region. “A society that forgets its role models cannot have a promising future,” the ambassador remarked.
The conference concluded with a prize distribution ceremony. Cash awards and certificates were presented to eight students who achieved top positions in the “Qalam-e-Iqbal” competition, with all participants receiving certificates of recognition for their involvement.