The Embassy of Pakistan in Tehran has announced plans to designate the entire year 2027 as the ‘year of Iqbal,’ a major initiative to promote the teachings of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The declaration was made during commemorative events for the 148th birth anniversary of the philosopher-poet, held in collaboration with local academic and cultural institutions.
Speaking at a function organized with the University of Tehran’s Urdu Department and Hoze Honari, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, emphasized Iqbal’s enduring global influence, according to an official report today. He noted that Iqbal’s ideas and poetry have inspired nations worldwide and that he is deeply revered in Iran, where cultural discourse is often incomplete without his mention.
The ambassador highlighted the profound respect Iranian leadership holds for Iqbal, citing that prominent figures including the late President Raisi, President Pezeshkian, and Speaker Muhammad Bagher Ghalibaf have all made special visits to the Mazar-e-Iqbal in Pakistan. He described Iqbal”s concepts of “Khudi” (selfhood), “Shaheen” (the eagle), and the renaissance of the Muslim Ummah as timeless.
As part of the 2027 initiative, the embassy will organize a series of functions to highlight Iqbal’s philosophy. Ambassador Tipu extended a formal invitation to Hoze Honari, Tehran”s Art Counsel, to participate in the upcoming programs.
In a separate ceremony at the University of Tehran”s Urdu Department, Deputy Head of Mission Ms. Ismat Hasan addressed faculty, students, and officials. She described Iqbal”s thoughts as universal and metaphysical in nature, underscoring his concepts of self-realization and devotion as matchless.
Ms Hasan asserted that in an era of globalization where cultural identities are at risk of diminishing, Iqbal’s philosophy serves as a beacon for staying connected to civilizational roots and values. She referred to him as “The Poet of the East” for his ability to synthesize the cultural values of Iran, the Arab world, Turkey, and Pakistan in his work.
The university event featured students paying tribute to the renowned poet by reciting his poems. Both functions were attended by a large gathering of academics, scholars, university students, and members of the Pakistani diaspora.