Islamabad, Nov 4: Since it falls on a Saturday in 2024, Iqbal Day, which is observed on November 9 in honor of poet and philosopher Allama Iqbal, is generating interest in a potential public holiday this year. In light of its recent past, a lot of people are using social media to ask whether the day will be recognized as a national holiday.
The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) administration first banned the holiday in 2015, but it was brought back in 2022. Iqbal Day was proclaimed a public holiday by the Cabinet Division last year, which fueled hopes for a similar decision in the days ahead.
Iqbal Day is listed as a holiday in the official 2024 holiday calendar, indicating that the planned statewide observance may go forward.
Educational institutions frequently hold activities on this day where students recite Iqbal’s poetry and consider his accomplishments. Iqbal, who was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877, played a significant role in motivating the Pakistani independence movement with his lyrical vision. His writings, which have been translated into other languages, solidify his reputation as a contemporary Sufi poet and world philosopher.
Even though Iqbal died on April 21, 1938, Pakistani identity is still shaped by his influence. Many people are excited to honor the legacy of the “Poet of the East” while the country awaits formal confirmation of the holiday.
