Lahore: The Punjab Information and Culture Department organized a ceremony titled “Jashn-e-Iqbal” at Alhamra Arts Council to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The event featured notable figures including Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Provincial Minister for Finance, and Mehran Moheddfar, Consul General of Iran.

The ceremony began with a recitation of the Holy Quran and national anthem, followed by a Naat by Marghoob Raza Hamdani. Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, Secretary Information and Culture Punjab, welcomed guests and highlighted the event’s role in enhancing Pak-Iran cultural ties.

Provincial Finance Minister Shuja-ur-Rehman praised Iqbal for inspiring Muslims towards unity and action, emphasizing the provincial government’s efforts to embody Iqbal’s ideals under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s leadership. He noted that the government’s initiatives align with Iqbal’s vision of progress and self-reliance.

Shuja-ur-Rehman described Iqbal as a universal thinker whose philosophy remains a guiding light for the Muslim world, transforming despair into hope.

The event included performances by the Iranian music band “Deerang” and Pakistani vocalist Muhammad Sami, showcasing Iqbal’s poetry in Persian and Urdu. Iranian Consul General Moheddfar emphasized the deep cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran, with Iqbal as a symbol of shared heritage.

Secretary Hamdani remarked on the historical ties between the two nations, reflected in the spirit of the celebration. An exhibition of calligraphy based on Iqbal’s poetry was also showcased.

In closing, Shuja-ur-Rehman called Iqbal a shared treasure of Pakistan and Iran, urging attendees to uphold his vision. He commended the Alhamra team for organizing the event.