Professor Ahsan Iqbal, accompanied by Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, Director of Iqbal Academy Pakistan, paid a visit to the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal. Professor Ahsan Iqbal awarded Dr. Muhammad Arif Khan the Presidential Award for his Urdu book on Iqbal, titled "Kamal-e-Iqbal Aur Ikisween Sadi" (The Greatness of Iqbal and the 21st Century).
On the 87th death anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a conference titled “The Modern Era and the Thought of Iqbal” was held at Aiwan-e-Iqbal under the auspices of Iqbal Academy Pakistan. The inaugural session of the one-day Iqbal Conference was presided over by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal. The chief guest was Muneeb Iqbal, the grandson of Allama Iqbal. Other distinguished guests included renowned Iqbal scholars Dr. Taqi Abedi, Dr. Fakhr-ul-Haq Noori, Dr. Arif Khan, Dr. Najeeb Jamal, Dr. Rabia Sarfraz, and Rana Ijaz Hussain. Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, Director of Iqbal Academy Pakistan, offered words of thanks, and the event was moderated by Dr. Mujahid Hussain.
In his speech, Ahsan Iqbal stated that the youth are the national asset, and Allama Iqbal always regarded them as the real strength of a nation. According to Iqbal, it is the youth who can lead nations out of decline. The federal minister announced that the government would incorporate Iqbal’s thought into the national curriculum. He emphasized that familiarizing the youth with Iqbal’s philosophy could help protect them from extremism. He urged the youth to understand Iqbal’s message, acquire modern knowledge, and contribute actively to the nation’s progress.
Ahsan Iqbal further stated that branches of the Iqbal Academy will be established in all provinces of Pakistan, and grand national and international celebrations will be held in 2027 to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal.
Muneeb Iqbal highlighted that Iqbal’s poetic and philosophical message emphasizes love, peace, and universal brotherhood, which should be interpreted in the context of the present age—especially his famous message, "Love conquers the world." He stressed the importance of integrating Iqbal's ideas into the educational system.
Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui thanked all the distinguished guests and said that in the modern era, Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi (selfhood), continuous struggle, and love for the Prophet (PBUH) remains a guiding light for the spiritual and intellectual growth of nations. He added that it is the vision of Iqbal Academy Pakistan to convey Iqbal’s message to the youth so they may help build a strong and self-aware nation.
Renowned Iqbal scholars presented their research papers during the conference, shedding light on Iqbal’s philosophy, poetry, and political contributions.
During the event, Dr. Muhammad Arif Khan was once again honored with the Presidential Award for his 2021 Urdu book "Kamal-e-Iqbal Aur Ikisween Sadi".
Earlier, Federal Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, accompanied by the Director of Iqbal Academy Pakistan, visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, laid a floral wreath, and offered prayers. Later, the "Iqbal Memorabilia Corner" was also inaugurated at Iqbal Academy Pakistan.