The 81st death anniversary of Poet of the East Allama Muhammad Iqbal was observed at Preston University, Islamabad. To mark the day, a seminar was jointly organized by the Shehr-e-Iqbal Forum and Preston University. Senator Waleed Iqbal grandson of poet-philosopher Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal and son of jurists of international eminence Dr. Javed Iqbal and Mrs. Nasira Iqbal presided over the event as chief guest. Dr. Shoaib Suddle, President Shehr-e-Iqbal Forum  welcomed the distinguished chief guest and the honorable guests. Eminent among the  speakers who addressed the seminar and paid glowing tribute to poet-philosopher Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal were Dr. Humaira Shahbaz, Sr. Instructor NUML, Islamabad,Mian Naeem Javed, Former District Nazim, Sialkot,Sabibzada Shah Heer Elahi, Asst. Prof. Bahria University Islamabad, Mr. Zaheer Ahmed Gillani, Secretary General SIF and Mr. Ishaq Naeem Rana, Secretary Finance SIF.  

In his keynote address on the occasion, chief guest Senator Waleed Iqbal profoundly eulogized the endeavors and unparalleled contribution of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal towards the creation of Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of high intellect and prolific writings of Allama Iqbal for the betterment, self-respect and sovereignty of the humanity and human values in accordance with the teachings of Islam and Islamic values. While addressing the distinguished audience, Senator Waleed Iqbal emphasized on the need to sincerely act upon the sayings and teachings of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal who envisioned the idea of the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent. He   said we must do so, in letter and spirit, as that is the only way how we could successfully maintain the sovereignty, progress and prosperity of our beloved country-Pakistan. 

In his welcome address, Dr. Shoaib Suddle, President of Shehr-e-Iqbal Forum (SIF) at the outset extended a very warm welcome to Senator Waleed Iqbal for sparing some of his precious time and accepting the invitation of Shehr-e-Iqbal Forum and Preston University to chair the event organized to mark the 81st death anniversary of poet and philosopher of international eminence, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He said, the unique aspect of the seminar organized to pay tribute to poet, philosopher, scholar and intellectual of unparalleled repute, Allama Iqbal, is that his grandson Senator Waleed Iqbal is chairing it. He said it was truly a privilege and honor for SIF and Preston University to have his gracious and distinguished presence at the event. President SIF, Dr. Shoaib Suddle also briefly highlighted and profoundly eulogized the mammoth contribution of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal towards the creation of Pakistan. On the occasion, he emphasized the need to ensue and propagate the teachings of Allama Iqbal with unyielding confidence and ardor, so that we are able to attain our socio-economic goals successfully and make Pakistan stand out conspicuously in the comity of respected and developed nations of the world.          

In their address, the distinguished speakers of the forum at the beginning deeply appreciated the efforts of Shehr-e-Iqbal Forum and Preston University to organize a seminar to mark the 81st death anniversary of poet-philosopher of international renown Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Highlighting the life and achievements of Allama Iqbal, they said he was a creative thinker, poet and philosopher of incomparable stature who visualized the idea of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent that eventually became visible in the shape of Pakistan. They said, Allama Iqbal’s contribution towards the creation of Pakistan has been significant. It is Iqbal’s poetic and philosophical writings that played a pivotal role in forming and molding the public opinion in support of the Pakistan Movement and ultimately the creation of Pakistan, they stated. They further said that following the sayings and teachings of Allama Iqbal with unshakeable  conviction is the need of the hour. If Pakistan was to get out of its massive socio-economic predicaments successfully and bring the much desired prosperity to its people it would have to follow Iqbal’s philosophy and teachings in every sphere of national development. 

Prior to the welcome address of President SIF, Dr. Shoaib Suddle the participants offered fateha for the departed soul and prayed to Allah Almighty for the solidarity, integrity and prosperity of the country.