Lahore: A special seminar titled ‘Quaid Day’ was organised by the Iqbal Academy Pakistan at Aiwan-e-Iqbal here on Wednesday as part of its 150-year celebrations.
Writer and columnist Qayyum Nizami presided over the seminar, while Iqbal Academy Pakistan Director Dr Abdul Rauf Rafiqui delivered the vote of thanks.
Prominent intellectual Professor Muhammad Javed Iqbal Bhatti, Professor of Media and Communication Studies at Government College University Lahore Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, and Professor of Queen Mary College Lahore Dr Maryam Irfan attended the seminar as guests.
Young Iqbal scholar Zaid Hussain performed the duties of moderator.
Addressing the seminar, Qayyum Nizami said the intellectual relationship between Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal had paved the way for freedom for the Muslims of the subcontinent.
He said the Quaid’s leadership, adherence to principles and truth-based vision remained important in addressing national challenges, stressing the need for the nation to follow his principles of ‘Unity, Faith and Discipline.’
The guest speakers said Quaid-e-Azam had not only transformed the idea of an independent state into reality but also provided the Muslims of the subcontinent with a direction towards a better future.
They said the philosophy of Iqbal and the practical struggle of Quaid-e-Azam together paved the historic path that culminated in the creation of Pakistan.
The speakers emphasised that the younger generation should study the Quaid’s life, vision and teachings in depth so that they could play a positive role in the country’s development.
Dr Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, while thanking the guests, said Quaid Day was not merely an occasion to hold a ceremony but also an opportunity to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to the principles of the Quaid.
He said women and youth had a fundamental role in Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and sustainable development could be achieved by following the path shown by him.
He added that the Iqbal Academy Pakistan remained committed to transmitting the memories and intellectual legacy of national figures to the younger generation.
Dr Rafiqui said the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and the message of Allama Iqbal were closely interconnected, adding that the purpose of organising such seminars under the 150-year celebrations was to connect the younger generation with the teachings of the country’s great leaders.
At the conclusion of the event, certificates were distributed among female students of Government Islamia Graduate College, Cooper Road, Lahore, who had successfully completed their internships at the Iqbal Academy Pakistan.