Lahore: Iqbal Academy Pakistan organized a flag-hoisting and cake-cutting ceremony at the historic residence of Allama Muhammad Iqbal on McLeod Road here on Friday to mark the 80th Independence Day and celebrations related to the 150th birth anniversaries of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Iqbal Academy Pakistan Director Prof Dr Abdul Rauf Rafiqi (Sitara-e-Imtiaz) hoisted the national flag along with young children, scholars, literary figures and other participants. A special collective prayer was offered for the security, stability, progress and prosperity of Pakistan following the flag-hoisting ceremony.
As part of the celebrations, Dr Abdul Rauf also planted a sapling in the lawn of Allama Iqbal’s historic residence, symbolizing the commitment to a greener and prosperous Pakistan.
A cake was cut to mark the Independence Day and the ongoing celebrations of the birth anniversaries of the founders of Pakistan. Ghulam Hassan and Adeela Qasim presented selected poetry of Allama Iqbal in melodious renditions, drawing appreciation from the audience.
Head of Literature Department Dr Tahir Hamid Tanoli and Bazm-e-Fikr-e-Iqbal Lahore President Engineer Inayat Ali also addressed the gathering.
Engineer Inayat Ali said on the occasion that they reaffirmed their resolve to play their role in making Pakistan a welfare and ideological state in the light of Iqbal’s thought.
He said nations that had made sacrifices for freedom understood its true value, adding that Allama Iqbal’s historic residence was a national heritage site and a centre of intellectual inspiration.
Dr Abdul Rauf said Allama Iqbal had written his historic Allahabad Address of 1930 at the same residence.
He said Independence Day was an occasion to express gratitude for the great blessing of freedom as well as to renew commitment to the thoughts and ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal.
He said celebrating Independence Day with children at Allama Iqbal’s historic residence reflected the resolve to convey Iqbal’s message of selfhood and freedom to the younger generation.
