The federal government is initiating a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to promote the philosophy of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal on a national and global scale, announced Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi today, on the poet’s birth anniversary. The plan includes the establishment of a “150-Year Committee” to organize large-scale celebrations for the national poet”s upcoming 150th birthday.
In his message, the minister stated that the solution to contemporary global challenges resides in Iqbal’s teachings, which champion humanity, selfhood, and universal brotherhood. He detailed that the newly formed committee comprises government officials, academics, educationists, and researchers dedicated to the celebratory events.
A cornerstone of this domestic initiative is the establishment of Iqbal research centers across all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, with Iqbal Academy Pakistan playing a pivotal role. As a first step, an Iqbal Research and Cultural Complex has already been launched in Sialkot to serve as a hub for research and intellectual exchange.
On the international front, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi announced a significant project by Iqbal Academy Pakistan to translate the poet”s works into major world languages. He revealed that Portuguese translations will be formally introduced on November 13 at the Pakistan Academy of Letters, an event to be attended by the ambassadors of Brazil and Portugal.
The minister underscored that a top priority for his ministry is transmitting Pakistan’s cultural heritage, particularly Iqbal”s philosophical legacy, to younger generations. He confirmed that the administration is working to publish and disseminate the poet”s ideas in Urdu to connect youth with his message of khudi (selfhood).
Furthermore, the government is actively incorporating the Poet of the East”s philosophy into the national education system and policy framework. “Through art, literature, and cultural activities, we will inspire youth in the light of Iqbal’s message of selfhood, freedom, and confidence,” Khichi added.
The initiative also includes plans to revive historical sites, monuments, and cultural centers to preserve what the minister called Iqbal’s “revolutionary spirit and message of national unity.”
Pakistan aims to highlight Iqbal”s vision on the world stage through a series of academic conferences, exhibitions, and dialogues. These events will be organized in collaboration with international universities and scholars, with the goal of bridging intellectual gaps between the East and the West and promoting Pakistan”s scholarly identity.
Concluding his statement, the minister asserted that Iqbal”s thought rekindled the spirit of freedom among the Muslims of the subcontinent. He remarked that the poet’s teachings on faith, hard work, and self-confidence provide the blueprint for building a dignified and enlightened Pakistan.