QUETTA :Governor Balochistan, Jaffar Khan Mandokhail on Monday urged the nation to draw guidance from the teachings and philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, stressing that the poet-philosopher’s message of selfhood, knowledge, unity and collective progress remained highly relevant in addressing contemporary challenges facing the Muslim world.
In a message issued on the occasion of Allama Iqbal’s birth anniversary, the governor said Iqbal’s visionary thought and inspiring poetry played a pivotal role in awakening the Muslims of the subcontinent and instilling in them the spirit of self-awareness, freedom, unity and nationhood.
He noted that Iqbal’s ideas not only awakened the Muslims of British India from political and intellectual stagnation but also offered Muslims across the world a new direction for intellectual development and practical struggle. According to the governor, Allama Iqbal dedicated his entire life to the intellectual and moral uplift of Muslims and to restoring their lost glory and dignity.
Jaffar Mandokhail said the central aim of Iqbal’s poetry was to foster self-confidence, self-realisation, unity, collective consciousness and a spirit of action among Muslims. He added that Iqbal’s message transcends geographical boundaries and historical periods, making it particularly significant in the present global environment.
The governor observed that Muslims today face numerous challenges which require a renewed commitment to the values championed by Iqbal, including unity, education, tolerance, self-reliance and collective endeavour. He emphasised that these principles are more important than ever in the modern era.
Highlighting Iqbal’s contribution to the political awakening of the Muslims of the subcontinent, Mandokhail said the renowned poet infused a new spirit among the people through his thought-provoking poetry and encouraged them to strive for a distinct national identity, political rights and a free future.
He further stated that the true purpose of observing Iqbal Day is not limited to holding ceremonies or reciting his poetry. Rather, it is an opportunity to understand his philosophy in depth and incorporate his teachings into both individual and collective life.
The governor called upon the nation to transform Iqbal’s message of selfhood, knowledge, action and unity into practical reality. He reaffirmed the commitment to promoting modern education, national cohesion and collective development in light of Iqbal’s vision.
“By following the guiding principles of Allama Iqbal and contributing towards national progress and unity, we can pay genuine tribute to the Poet of the East and take a meaningful step towards fulfilling the ideals he envisioned,” the governor said.
