The Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, has stated that there are attempts supported by international financing aimed at undermining Pakistan similar to how Palestine, Iran, Iraq, and Yemen have been affected. Nonetheless, the administration remains dedicated to eradicating both domestic and foreign terrorist activities and promoting economic growth.
He stressed that it is crucial to communicate Allama Iqbal’s idea of ‘khudi’ (self-respect) to the younger generation so they can develop strong moral fiber. Currently, it is important for us to embrace Iqbal’s notion of self-esteem along with mental fortitude to effectively address national issues like financial instability, declining education standards, and misleading young people. During his speech at an extensive intellectual and cultural gathering where he was the main speaker—a function held in Islamabad to mark Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s memorial day—he shared these perspectives.
The event was co-organized by the Nazaria-e-Pakistan Foundation, Pakistan Cultural Forum, and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
The ceremony was led by Federal Minister for Culture, Heritage, and Tourism Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, and organized by Chairman of the Pakistan Cultural Forum Zafar Bakhtawari and Chairman of the Clean and Green Islamabad Movement Ahsan Bakhtawari. Notable attendees included Head of Foreign Affairs for Jamaat-e-Islami Asif Luqman Qazi, Secretary-General of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Union Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen, former Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Tariq Pirzada, among others. Speaker Tariq Fazal Chaudhry highlighted that contemporary challenges could find answers through Iqbal’s verses. He condemned individuals making baseless accusations against institutions solely for personal gain, asserting that robust institutions are essential for national advancement. Additionally, he mentioned that the administration plans to integrate young people more deeply into the nation’s development process by promoting Iqbal’s philosophy.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said that Quaid-i-Azam and Iqbal are national heroes and their message and philosophy must reach all educational institutions and students. He stated that Pakistan’s armed forces are alert and ready to counter any kind of aggression and terrorism. All internal and external enemies will be given a befitting response. He declared that the government, people, and armed forces stand united like a rock. Anyone who casts an evil eye on Pakistan will have their eyes gouged out. Each verse of Iqbal’s poetry is worthy of a book, and we must benefit from his message. The years 2026 and 2027 mark the 150th birth anniversaries of Quaid-i-Azam and Iqbal, and they will be celebrated in a grand manner. The ministry and its institutions will always be available for such events.
Ahsan Bakhtawari stated that the aim of this event is to introduce young people to the principles and beliefs of Iqbal, which guided Quaid-e-Azam in establishing the mighty nation of Pakistan. He emphasized that addressing the unfavorable narratives about Pakistan requires adopting an optimistic outlook. In order to surmount current challenges, it’s essential to revive within our youth, civic organizations, and commercial sector the same fervor that was instrumental in founding Pakistan.
He commended the contributions of the Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff in this matter and highlighted the necessity for the people of the nation to unite behind the government and military like a solid barrier. He mentioned that the country has made significant strides following various challenges. It’s essential to develop Islamabad into not just the political but also the cultural and intellectual hub of Pakistan. To guide the populace through current struggles, we should uphold the ideals and visions of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam. According to Asif Luqman Qazi, culture encapsulates how a society lives. Therefore, it’s crucial for the administration to foster national traditions and present them to young citizens. He pointed out that at the heart of Iqbal’s verses lie teachings from the Holy Quran and Hadiths. Iqbal serves both as a beacon of optimism for the global Muslim community and a key figure whose works shape youthful characters; these poetic pieces ought to form part of educational programs. Even though they represent the world’s largest religious group, Muslims continue to face hardships due largely to deficiencies in moral education.
He emphasized that both the government and opposition should transcend their disagreements and back Palestine.
Zafar Bakhtawari asserted that paying tribute to national icons signifies the greatness of a nation. Nations that neglect these figures are destined for oblivion. He mentioned that the cruelties perpetrated under Modi’s leadership in India have reignited discussions about the Two-Nation Theory. This resurgence aims to enlighten those who were against Pakistan’s formation through the harsh actions taken by Modi and Israel. Bakhtawari emphasized that the aim of this gathering is to imbue young people with an appreciation for recognizing our country’s heroic individuals.
He similarly applauded the remarks of the Army Chief during the Overseas Convention, stating that these comments uplifted national spirits. The strength of just a few individuals won’t diminish Pakistan; this nation was created for eternity and shall endure till the last day, God willing. Additionally, he noted that today’s youth has lost touch with Urdu, emphasizing that reconnecting with the language is essential to grasp Jinnah’s teachings. Furthermore, he labeled Tariq Pirzada as the modern-day equivalent of Iqbal and highlighted his enduring relationship with the Khichi clan.
Tariq Pirzada said that understanding and reading Iqbal is crucial. His entire life was devoted to the love of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Even in difficult times, Iqbal spoke the truth. He demanded strict punishment for those spreading fake and inferior poetry in Iqbal’s name on social media. Iqbal’s thoughts not only guide the subcontinent but also the entire Muslim world. Our foreign policy, education system, and social structure must be built on these ideological foundations to make Pakistan strong in terms of ideology, culture, and politics.
Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen stated that to lift the Muslim Ummah from its intellectual downturn, we should embrace Iqbal’s transformative concepts. The call for unity, self-sacrifice, and awareness remains our guiding light. By following these principles, Pakistan could emerge as a hub of advancement, harmony, and cohesion.
Director General PNCA Ayub Jamali expressed his gratitude to all those who participated in the event. The gathering saw attendance from ICCI Executive Members Malik Mohsin Khalid, Roohail Anwar Butt, Chaudhry Waseem, Naveed Satti, members of the business sector such as Khalid Chaudhry, Nisar Mirza, Yousaf Rajput, Ashraf Farzand, Maqsood Tabish, and Waheed Cheema, along with numerous students, educators, thinkers, authors, merchants, reporters, and individuals representing different facets of society.
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